Multiple media outlets falsely claim man arrested for assault during Portland riots is a 'Proud Boy'

Numerous publications falsely claimed that a Portland rioter arrested for felony assault among a slew of charges is a Proud Boys member.

Mike Baker, a correspondent for the New York Times based in the Northwest, tweeted: "This morning, authorities in Portland arrested Proud Boys member Alan Swinney. He faces a dozen charges, including assault, unlawful use of weapon, and menacing."

However, The Post Millennial's editor-at-large Andy Ngo directly reached out to the head of the right-wing organization who confirmed that Swinney is not an associated member.

"This is the only arrest in Portland that @tedwheeler has brought attention to this year," Ngo called out the Portland mayor's bias after over 100 days of relentless riots downtown led by Antifa. "And according to the Proud Boys, Swinney is not and has never been a member."

"Enrique Tarrio, chair of the PB, tells me Swinney is not and has never been a member of the organization through any of the chapters," Ngo reiterated.

Unlike Antifa, which has no central organizational structure or membership, Proud Boys has a database of its members. Simply put, self-identifying as a "Proud Boy" is not sufficient for membership in the group.

The Daily Beast highlighted how Swinney sports a "Proud Boy" tattoo on his forearm. Forbes called Swinney a "Proud Boy" in its article's headline. KOIN-TV followed suit with its piece's headliner and lede.

In 2019, Tarrio apparently posted on Facebook, clarifying the misinformation. "First off, Alan Swinney is not a Proud Boy, and we do not agree with the aggressive statements made by him, or his tactics."

"For that reason, we made it clear months ago he is not a member of the group, regardless of what he may say," Tarrio supposedly wrote, providing evidence disproving the disinformation.

Then on Twitter, Swinney rebutted, claiming that Tarrio was not behind the message that New York City Antifa shared. "Enrique has no say in who or who isn't a proud boy," Swinney answered. "Each PB chapter is autonomous. I'm the president of my own nomad chapter. Nice try tho."

Baker attached screenshots of Swinney's booking information from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. The 50-year-old suspect was charged with one count of assault in the fourth degree, one count of attempted assault in the fourth degree, two counts of unlawful use of mace in the second degree, one count of attempted assault in the second degree, three counts of unlawful use of a weapon, two counts of assault in the second degree, one count of menacing and one count of pointing a firearm at another person.

According to a press release announced by Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, the indictment filed Sept. 11 alleged that Swinney used a paintball gun on Aug. 15 to injure another individual and unlawfully discharged mace or a similar substance during a Portland protest.

On Aug. 22, Swinney allegedly used a paint ball once again to cause physical injury, also carrying and pointing a revolver. No shots were fired, Oregon Public Broadcasting videographer Sergio Olmas reported.

That day, Proud Boys fought with Antifa militants in a mid-day downtown brawl to take back the Multnomah County Justice Center. The "No To Marxism" rally and counter-protest congregated shortly after noon. Pepper spray was unleashed several times, pipes were swung, and tasers were reportedly used. Far-leftists were filmed burning an American flag to ashes on the ground.

The Portland Police Bureau booked Swinney into the Multnomah County Detention Center on Wednesday where he is currently held. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.

Swinney's 12 total charges come a day after President Donald Trump fired back during the presidential debate at moderator Chris Wallace who, alongside former Vice President Joe Biden, corned the Republican president to condemn white supremacists.

In the end, all that this dirty trick by the Wallace-Biden allegiance did was raise the profile of a fringe right-wing group.