Philadelphia is a Democrat-dominated city with a decidedly left-of-center district attorney (Larry Krasner, an ally of Sen. Bernie Sanders) and Black female police commissioner (former Portland, Oregon Police Chief Danielle Outlaw) who was quick to speak out about the death of George Floyd and stress that she encouraged nonviolent protests. But its also the city where the infamous Frank Rizzo, who was often accused of police overreach, once served as police commissioner and later, mayor. The far right doesnt have a lot of influence in Philly, yet in a July 16 article for the Daily Beast, reporter Kelly Weill discusses the efforts of extremist Proud Boys to ally themselves with Philly police officers.
When the president of Philadelphias police union disavowed a far-right group whose members were photographed at a union party this weekend, Weill reports, it was at least the third time in recent weeks that local cops had been accused of canoodling with violent groups on the fringe. Members of the Proud Boys, an ultra-nationalist group that frequently mingles with white supremacists, were hard to miss when they showed up for a party at the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police headquarters Thursday night, (July 9).
Weill notes that according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, around ten members of the Proud Boys showed up at that FOP event and chanted all lives matters at protesters. Philadelphia police union president John McNesby, however, spoke out against the extremist group.
In an official statement, McNesby wrote, We have recently been informed that members of the Proud Boys were present outside the FOP headquarters this week following a visit by the vice president (Mike Pence). If we were aware of their presence, we would have immediately escorted them off our property. At no time were these individuals allowed inside of our building. Philadelphia police officers, FOP leadership and members condemn their hateful and discriminatory speech in any form.
But Weill reports that even the Proud Boys called elements of McNesbys statement into question.
According to Weill, In a public chat channel, the group posted a picture of what appeared to be the bar inside the FOP headquarters. On Twitter, the group claimed to have spent $1000 at the headquarters that night.
A Philly police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity was highly critical of the Proud Boys, telling the Beast, Nobody wants them there. I sure as hell dont want them there. Its weird. Who wants them there? Who wants their support?
Steven Windisch, an assistant professor who focuses on criminal justice at Phillys Temple University, told the Beast that the Proud Boys efforts to ally themselves with police officers serve two purposes. One, its a form of recruitment lets get into these institutions, get buddy-buddy with them, and maybe we can recruit them. Two, its also a product of their identity. The Proud Boys, in particular, see themselves as a kind of security force for Republican elites. Theres an unofficial brotherhood that I think they project onto law enforcement that theyre one and the same, fighting the same battle.
then let us make a small request. AlterNets journalists work tirelessly to counter the traditional corporate media narrative. Were here seven days a week, 365 days a year. And were proud to say that weve been bringing you the real, unfiltered news for 20 yearslonger than any other progressive news site on the Internet.
Its through the generosity of our supporters that were able to share with you all the underreported news you need to know. Independent journalism is increasingly imperiled; ads alone cant pay our bills. AlterNet counts on readers like you to support our coverage. Did you enjoy content from David Cay Johnston, Common Dreams, Raw Story and Robert Reich? Opinion from Salon and Jim Hightower? Analysis by The Conversation? Then join the hundreds of readers who have supported AlterNet this year.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure AlterNet remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to AlterNet, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
Read more: