'Stand back and stand by.’ Trump’s Proud Boys comments anger some anti-hate groups
President Donald Trump didn't condemn white supremacist groups and their role in violence in some American cities this summer during Tuesday night’s presidential debate. Instead, he said the violence is a “left-wing" problem and he told one far-right extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”
•
Sep 30, 2020, 9:46 PM
•
Updated 1,548 days ago
Share:
More Stories
0:22
Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu
2ds ago0:17
Spokesperson: Former President Bill Clinton in hospital for testing and observation
2ds ago
President Biden signs bill that averts government shutdown and brings a close to days of Washington upheaval
5ds ago10:29
Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - Dec. 19, 2024
7ds ago1:43
Judge reverses state's takeover of Paterson Police Department following lawsuit
7ds ago2:07
Lawmakers demand answers, share drone action plan
10ds ago0:22
Bill Clinton is out of the hospital after being treated for the flu
2ds ago0:17
Spokesperson: Former President Bill Clinton in hospital for testing and observation
2ds agoPresident Biden signs bill that averts government shutdown and brings a close to days of Washington upheaval
5ds ago10:29
Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - Dec. 19, 2024
7ds ago1:43
Judge reverses state's takeover of Paterson Police Department following lawsuit
7ds ago2:07
Lawmakers demand answers, share drone action plan
10ds agoPresident Donald Trump didn't condemn white supremacist groups and their role in violence in some American cities this summer during Tuesday night’s presidential debate. Instead, he said the violence is a “left-wing" problem and he told one far-right extremist group to “stand back and stand by.”
His comments Tuesday night were in response to debate moderator Chris Wallace asking if he would condemn white supremacists and militia groups. Trump's exchange with former Vice President Joe Biden left the extremist group Proud Boys celebrating what some of its members saw as tacit approval.
The Proud Boys even posted “Stand Back” and “Stand By” above and below the group’s logo on some of their social media pages.
The Anti-Defamation League has classified the Proud Boys as a violent hate group. Members say that they are troubled by the president’s words and the group’s response.
“This group is super excited about this. They feel they’ve been called out and singled out in a special way. They’re standing by for his orders,” says Shira Goodman, regional director of the Philadelphia/South Jersey chapter of the ADL.
The ADL is demanding that Trump clarify his statements and apologize.
“It’s either a call out to that group or a misstatement, which no one has said it is,” Goodman says.
Social media in general blew up after the president’s comments, with many on the left saying that they fear what he said will empower and invoke violence from far-right groups.
The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.
More from News 12
1:34
Sinkhole prompts lane closures on Interstate 80 in Wharton
1:41
Dry and sunny Thursday ahead of weekend rain in New Jersey
2:11
Boil water advisory issued for Edison Water Utility customers following water main break
0:32
Former NJ lieutenant killed in line of duty in North Carolina
0:17
Late night fire destroys home in Old Bridge
1:13
