Western States Center Statement on Proud Boys Leader Tiny Toese Sentenced to 5+ Years in Prison for Portland Violence

Today, Tusitala “Tiny” Toese, a figurehead of the white nationalist militia group Proud Boys was sentenced to 5+ years in prison for inciting and participating in political violence in north Portland in 2021. In response, Lindsay Schubiner, Director of Programs at Western States Center, a Portland-based civil rights group working to counter anti-democracy and bigoted forces in the Pacific Northwest and around the country, released the following statement.

“For years, Tusitala Toese and other Proud Boys sowed chaos and violence in Portland, threatened residents, and undermined the ability of the City of Portland to keep its community safe. Today’s sentencing is a critical step toward accountability for Toese’s actions inciting and participating in political violence. Let's be clear: political violence is a direct threat to our democracy, and more specifically to marginalized people in our communities. This legal accountability sends a clear message that political violence will not be tolerated.

“Proud Boys have been responsible for a wave of threats, intimidation and political violence in recent years and Toese’s sentencing follows the January 6 Proud Boy convictions as positive steps toward accountability for their actions. But legal accountability is just part of the solution. We need a whole-of-society approach to countering bigoted and anti-democracy movements, including unilateral condemnation from government officials, business owners, and community and faith leaders, as well as addressing the root causes behind these movements.”