After Proud Boy Conviction, Western States Center Pushes for Comprehensive Pro-Democracy Efforts

Today self-described Proud Boy Alan Swinney was convicted of eleven counts, including unlawful use of a weapon and attempted assault, stemming from his participation in violent clashes in downtown Portland during the summer of 2020. In response, Western States Center Executive Director Eric K. Ward issued the following statement.

“Throughout this trial, Alan Swinney’s supporters have attempted to paint him disingenuously as a political prisoner, but in fact he’s just the opposite--after a long association with the far right, he chose to reject democratic norms and use violence and intimidation in order to further his extreme and dangerous ideology. His affiliation with groups like the Proud Boys doesn’t make him any less culpable for his actions. In fact, it makes clear that he made the decision to embrace violence specifically in order to sow chaos, undermine local democracy and exploit white nationalist appeals.

“Individuals who intentionally turn to violence like Alan Swinney need to be held accountable for their actions. But we also know that the problem of white nationalism and other bigoted authoritarian movements won’t be solved simply by locking up its most violent adherents. We need a coherent, comprehensive solution from every level of our government in support of our essential democratic values. And we need a broad, durable bipartisan consensus that bigotry and violence have no place in our democratic process.

“Today’s verdict is an important step towards building a stronger democracy, but we still have a long way to go.”

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Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy through building movements, developing leaders, shifting culture, and defending democracy.

Contact: Drew Courtney, press@wscpdx.org