MIAMI ― In an exclusive interview at his residence in Miami, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, the former and arguably current leader of the Proud Boys, informed YSL News of his intention to remain influential in the group and emphasized its ongoing involvement in politics.

Tarrio was granted a pardon by President Donald Trump on Monday while serving less than two years of a 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. He returned home to Miami on Wednesday and engaged with YSL News on Friday morning.

During this interview, his tone was more cautious and restrained compared to past statements. He admitted that some rioters who attacked police officers deserved to be prosecuted, argued that the Proud Boys are unjustly labeled as a hate group, and moderated earlier comments where he called for “retribution” against those who incarcerated him and other January 6 participants.

“When I mention ‘Feel the heat,’ I want to clarify that I am advocating for investigations,” Tarrio stated.

When asked what actions the Proud Boys would take if investigations did not yield results, he suggested he would simply move on without pressing the matter further.

“If nothing comes of it, I’ll just focus on something else,” he remarked.

Although Tarrio has not been in contact with President Trump before or after his release, he clarified that he was not present at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Nonetheless, prosecutors labeled him as a primary orchestrator of the insurrection. He reiterated his long-held belief that there was no premeditated organization behind the riot.

Prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Tarrio created a faction within the Proud Boys called the “Ministry of Self Defense,” which was allegedly responsible for coordinating and subsequently celebrating attacks that day. Tarrio had previously stated, “Make no mistake  we did this” to the group.

In the interview, he portrayed himself as a victim of a corrupt system that aims to suppress free speech and silence political adversaries.

‘We’re not white supremacists’

Tarrio asserted that calling him the “former” chairman of the Proud Boys is misleading. He mentioned that the group’s leadership dynamics are no longer openly discussed, but claimed to have the backing of a majority of members.

“I think I currently get along with about 60% of my guys,” he noted.

The Proud Boys espouse ideals of free speech and nationalism, often expressed through incendiary language and controversial imagery. A 2021 investigation by YSL News into the Wisconsin chapter exposed instances of racism and antisemitism, where advancement in the group was linked to bullying prospective members and promoting white supremacist ideologies.

Tarrio acknowledged that local chapters function independently of national leadership and emphasized that they are not entirely controlled by it. While admitting that some far-right extremists have joined the Proud Boys, he insisted that media representations have inaccurately framed the group.

“We’re not white supremacists, we’re not Nazis, we’re not anti-Semitic,” Tarrio declared. “I make jokes about everyone; no group is safe from my humor.”

Since the Capitol riot, the Proud Boys have been less visible in public protests, with numerous members facing legal consequences, imprisonment, and subsequent release. Nonetheless, sporadic appearances by groups of individuals in the Proud Boys’ signature black-and-gold colors have been noted at various events, including drag shows and local school board meetings.

‘I’m an equal opportunity offender’

Despite controversies, Tarrio, who identifies as “afro-Cuban,” emphasized that LGBTQ+ individuals and minorities should not fear the Proud Boys in the future.

“They should probably consider joining their local chapter,” he remarked. “Their fears are unfounded; we’ve never targeted groups based on color, sexual orientation, or anything like that.”

“I offend everyone equally,” he added.

Tarrio explained that the Proud Boys oppose certain aspects of American culture, such as all-age drag shows and public figures supporting President Biden, but made it clear that members expressing hatred towards specific racial or ethnic groups would be rejected from the organization.

The Proud Boys historically supported Trump and will continue to do so, especially in light of the recent pardons for their leaders. However, Tarrio does not foresee the group taking an active role in promoting Trump’s policies.

He specified that the Proud Boys would not engage in activities like reporting undocumented immigrants to authorities.

“You might see them being loud about certain issues,” he noted. “But I’ve seen other groups claiming they will physically assist in deportations, and that’s just not practical.”

As for his own aspirations, Tarrio jokingly suggested he might run for sheriff of Miami.

“I’m just throwing ideas out there, but if I ran for sheriff and won, we could have Sheriff Enrique Tarrio—stranger things have occurred,” he quipped.

Will Carless reports on extremism and emerging issues nationwide for YSL News.