Key takeaways

• Joe Biggs, a leading Proud Boys member, announced he quit the group.
• He left after his fellow Jan. 6 rioters went unrecognized at their annual event.
• Biggs served four years of a 17-year sentence, commuted by former President Trump.
• His exit may reshape the Proud Boys’ unity and public image.

Why Joe Biggs Quit the Proud Boys

Joe Biggs has officially left the Proud Boys. He shared the news on social media after their yearly gathering. He felt betrayed when the group ignored those who took part in the Jan. 6 riot. While Biggs expected solidarity, he faced mockery instead. Ultimately, Joe Biggs quit the group he once called family.

Reasons Behind Joe Biggs Quit

At their annual event, Joe Biggs asked the group to honor his fellow Jan. 6 rioters. However, no one acknowledged those he called his brothers. Instead, members laughed and argued with him. Frustrated and hurt, Joe Biggs quit on the spot. He said the club mocked people who sacrificed for a cause. Since Joe Biggs quit, he has spoken out daily on social media. He claimed the Proud Boys no longer respect those who stand for them.

Biggs’s Background and Legal History

Before this exit, Joe Biggs was a top Proud Boys organizer. He became famous for his role in various protests. Moreover, he led groups to clashes near government buildings. On Jan. 6, 2021, he joined the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol. The court later found him guilty of crimes tied to those riots. President Trump chose not to grant him a full pardon. Instead, Trump commuted his 17-year sentence, cutting it to four years. One guard even called him a terrorist, not a pardoned man. After prison, Joe Biggs quit several online groups but stayed with the Proud Boys—until now.

What Triggered the Rift at the Annual Event

First, no one wanted to honor Jan. 6 defendants. Biggs had hoped for at least a brief mention. Second, members argued over the group’s direction. Some wanted a lower profile after bad headlines. Others still pushed for aggressive street actions. These tensions spilled out at the gathering. Biggs felt his loyalty meant nothing to them. Ultimately, Joe Biggs quit because he saw no respect for his sacrifices.

Impact on the Proud Boys

Joe Biggs quit, and this may hurt the group’s image. He was one of their most visible faces. Now, critics will point to his exit as proof of internal conflict. Furthermore, potential recruits may rethink joining a group that turns on its own members. On the other hand, some hardliners may cheer his decision. They might see his departure as a chance to remove a controversial leader. Either way, a fracture has appeared at the group’s core.

Public Reaction to Joe Biggs Quit

Social media lit up when news of the exit broke. Supporters of Jan. 6 rioters sent messages of thanks. They praised Biggs’s loyalty to his comrades. Meanwhile, opponents of the Proud Boys saw a sign of weakness. They argued the group can’t hold even its top members. Some defenders of free speech warned against celebrating any departure. They said exit should not equal defeat for all viewpoints.

The Future for Joe Biggs

Now that Joe Biggs quit, what’s next for him? He says he will keep speaking out online. He remains active on social platforms under his own name. Also, he hinted at starting a new group focused on Jan. 6 veterans. In addition, he plans more public appearances. He claims he still fights for the same cause. However, he no longer wears the black-and-gold colors of the Proud Boys.

Possible Paths for the Proud Boys

After this exit, the Proud Boys face a choice. They can unite behind a clear leader and vision. Or they can slide into more disagreements. Some members may leave in solidarity with Biggs. Others will stay and push for new recruits. Either way, the group’s next moves will shape its public image. Moreover, law enforcement will watch closely for any rise in violent acts.

Conclusion

Joe Biggs quit the Proud Boys after a dispute over honoring Jan. 6 rioters. His departure highlights deep divisions within the group. While some see his exit as a setback, others view it as an opportunity for change. As Joe Biggs moves forward, both he and the Proud Boys face uncertain futures. Only time will tell how this split reshapes the movement’s path.

What led Joe Biggs to leave the Proud Boys?

Joe Biggs quit after his fellow Jan. 6 participants went unrecognized at the group’s yearly event. He felt mocked rather than honored.

How long was Joe Biggs in prison?

He served four years of a 17-year sentence. His term was commuted but not fully pardoned.

Will Joe Biggs start a new group?

He has hinted at forming a new organization for Jan. 6 veterans, but details remain unclear.

What does his exit mean for the Proud Boys’ future?

His departure exposes internal conflict and could change the group’s public image and membership.