In a landmark decision, a D.C. Superior Court judge awarded a historic Black church in Washington control over the Proud Boys trademark after the far-right group defaulted on a $2.8 million judgment. The ruling grants the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church rights to the trademark and prevents Proud Boys members from selling merchandise using the group's name or symbols without permission.
A D.C. Superior Court judge has granted a historic Black church in Washington control over the Proud Boys trademark after the far-right group defaulted on a $2.8 million judgment. The ruling on Monday awards rights to the trademark of the group’s name to the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church and bars Proud Boys members from selling any merchandise with its name or symbols without the church’s consent.
The church is also allowed to attempt to seize any money made from selling the group’s merchandise. The lawsuit was filed by the church to recoup damages from vandalism committed by Proud Boys members following a pro-Donald Trump rally in December 2020. Black Lives Matter banners were torn down and burned at two churches, including Metropolitan African Methodist. Violent clashes erupted between opposing protesters that night, resulting in arrests. Enrique Tarrio, then the leader of the Proud Boys, admitted to participating in the burnings and was subsequently sentenced to over five months in jail on those and other charges. Tarrio received a separate 22-year federal prison sentence for orchestrating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The church lawsuit characterized the actions on December 12, 2020, as “acts of terror” intended to intimidate church members. A default judgment was awarded to the church in June 2023. After no payments were made and no responses were filed by the Proud Boys or their representatives, lawyers for the church filed a motion in December seeking rights to the trademark. Case records demonstrate that the lawsuit was served to Tarrio at the federal prison where he was incarcerated at the time of filing, as well as to at least one other address associated with him and another member. An attorney representing the church in the civil action did not respond to a request for comment. Nayib Hassan, Tarrio’s attorney, declined to comment
TRADE MARK COURT RULING PROUD BOYS CHURCH VANDALISM
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Proud Boys Lose Trademark To Black Church They VandalizedRyan is a national reporter at HuffPost -- one of few who have the good fortune to work from the site's Denver office.
Read more »
Former Proud Boys Member Sentenced to 14 Months for Capitol RiotNathaniel Tuck, a former police officer and member of the Proud Boys, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Prosecutors accused Tuck of pushing past police officers to enter the Capitol and participating in a violent mob.
Read more »
Trump Pardons Jan. 6th Rioters, Including Proud Boys Leader and Oath Keepers FounderFormer President Donald Trump has pardoned over 1,500 individuals charged with federal crimes related to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, including prominent figures like Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys and Stewart Rhodes of the Oath Keepers. This sweeping move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it minimizes the severity of the attack and undermines the justice system.
Read more »
Former Proud Boys leader and Oath Keepers founder released after Trump offers Jan. 6 clemencyWASHINGTON (AP) — The former leader of the Proud Boys and the founder of the Oath Keepers have been released from prison after their lengthy sentences for seditious conspiracy in the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S.
Read more »
Trump Pardons Fuel Proud Boys' ResurgenceFollowing Trump's pardons of January 6th insurrectionists, including several Proud Boys leaders, the extremist group appears to be making a comeback. The pardons have emboldened the group, leading to a march in Washington D.C. and celebratory rhetoric from their leadership. This development raises concerns about the normalization of political violence and its potential consequences for American democracy.
Read more »
Victoria Coach Carbery's Family Proud of Capitals SuccessSpencer Carbery, head coach of the Washington Capitals, hails from Victoria, British Columbia. His family and friends are incredibly proud of his achievements, especially after leading the team to the playoffs in his first season and achieving the third-best winning percentage in the NHL this season.
Read more »