NY police arrest suspected Proud Boys member in street brawl

The New York Police Department on Thursday night made its first arrest of a suspected member of the far-right group the Proud Boys, who were involved in a street fight in New York City last week.

Geoffrey Young, 38, faces charges of rioting and attempted assault, the NYPD confirmed to The Hill. He was allegedly involved in a brawl between the Proud Boys and masked protesters believed to be part of the left-wing group Antifa.

{mosads}The fight happened after a speech by Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes at the Metropolitan Republican Club on the Upper East Side. The group is made up of self-described “western chauvinists” and is labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The NYPD was initially criticized after arresting some protestors but failing to make an immediate arrest of any Proud Boys members. 

The NYPD released a video earlier this week asking the public for help in identifying suspects involved in the fight. The video showed a protestor throwing a bottle at the Proud Boys, who then responded with punches, resulting in a chaotic melee.

Thank you those who’ve submitted info regarding the violent incident which took place on 10-12-18 in the UES. As we further the investigation, we urge additional victims/complainants/witnesses to come forward. If you have info, call CrimeStoppers, 800-577-TIPS pic.twitter.com/amUhGvCJLg

— Chief Dermot F. Shea (@NYPDDetectives) October 15, 2018