MIAMI ― In an exclusive interview at his Miami residence, Henry “Enrique” Tarrio, the former and possibly still current leader of the Proud Boys, discussed his intention to keep influencing the group’s direction and its political involvement in the future with YSL News.

Tarrio was under a 22-year federal prison sentence for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol when he was granted a pardon by President Donald Trump on Monday. He returned home on Wednesday and spoke with YSL News on Friday.

In this, his first interview with a major news outlet since his release, Tarrio adopted a more measured and cautious tone compared to his past demeanor. He acknowledged the culpability of some rioters in attacking police and accepted the need for prosecution in those cases. He also asserted that the Proud Boys have been inaccurately labeled as a hate group and moderated some of his previous statements, where he had called for “retribution” against those who prosecuted him and his fellow rioters.

“When I refer to ‘feeling the heat,’ I mean I want investigations,” Tarrio clarified.

When questioned about potential actions against those who pursued their prosecutions if the investigations don’t yield results, Tarrio indicated he wouldn’t pursue the matter further.

“If nothing is discovered, I’ll move on to other matters,” he stated.

Tarrio, who mentioned that he has not communicated with President Trump before or after his pardon, was not present at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, prosecutors portrayed him as a key figure orchestrating the events. He reiterated his long-held belief that the uprising was spontaneous and lacked prior organization.

Prosecutors presented claims that Tarrio formed a specific faction of the Proud Boys known as the “Ministry of Self Defense,” which allegedly coordinated violent actions on the day of the riot and celebrated those actions afterward. “We did this, no doubt about it,” Tarrio communicated to the group at one point.

On Friday, he depicted himself as a victim of a corrupt system aimed at repressing free speech and silencing political dissent.

‘We’re not white supremacists’

Tarrio noted that it is incorrect to refer to him as the “former” chairman of the Proud Boys. He indicated that the organization no longer publicly discusses its leadership but claimed he still has the backing of a significant portion of the group.

“I believe I currently have the support of about 60% of my members,” he said.

The Proud Boys advocate for free speech and nationalism, often expressed through provocative language and controversial imagery. A 2021 investigation by YSL News into the Wisconsin chapter indicated a presence of racism and antisemitism, where advancement within the group required bullying potentially new members and endorsing white supremacist views.

Tarrio clarified that individual chapters of the Proud Boys operate largely independently and emphasized they are not under strict control from national leadership. He acknowledged the attraction of white supremacists and far-right extremists to the Proud Boys brand but claimed this is due to media misrepresentation.

“We’re not white supremacists, we’re not Nazis, and we’re not antisemitic,” Tarrio stated. “There is no group I wouldn’t mock or joke about.”

The Proud Boys have been less prominent in public demonstrations since the Capitol riot, which led to the prosecution, imprisonment, and eventual release of several members. Occasional groups donning the distinct black-and-gold of the Proud Boys have made appearances at events ranging from family-friendly drag shows to local school board meetings.

‘I’m an equal opportunity offender’

However, Tarrio, who identifies as “Afro-Cuban,” insisted that the LGBTQ+ community and minority groups need not fear the Proud Boys in the future.

“I think they should consider joining their local chapter,” he suggested regarding those communities. “Any sense of fear is unfounded. We’ve never targeted specific groups based on race, sexual orientation, or anything similar.”

“I’m an equal opportunity offender,” he added.

Tarrio remarked that while the Proud Boys have opposed certain aspects of American culture—like drag shows aimed at younger audiences or officials openly supporting President Biden—members displaying hatred towards particular races or groups would be rejected from the organization.

The Proud Boys will always support Trump and will continue doing so, especially after the pardons granted to their top leaders, Tarrio noted. However, he does not envision the Proud Boys engaging in or enacting Trump’s policies.

The Proud Boys won’t actively seek to identify undocumented immigrants to report them, Tarrio stated.

“You’ll see them being quite vocal about these issues,” he said. “I’ve seen other groups claim they will help deport them physically, but that’s not realistic.”

As for his own future, Tarrio humorously mentioned a possible bid for Miami’s sheriff position.

“I’m just joking, but if I run for sheriff and win, it could be Sheriff Enrique Tarrio—stranger things have occurred,” he remarked.

Will Carless reports on extremism and emerging issues across the nation for YSL News.