In response to Matt Gaetz invoking Donald Trump’s infamous comments telling the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by,” DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd released the following statement:

“Donald Trump is surrounding himself today with disgraced MAGA extremists like Matt Gaetz, who is shamelessly invoking Trump’s infamous call for the Proud Boys to ‘stand back and stand by’ before they violently attacked our democracy on January 6. This is just the latest in a long pattern of Trump and his allies stoking fear and violence, as they continue to cozy up to dangerous criminals and white supremacists, praising them at every opportunity and pledging pardons to convicted January 6 rioters. Trump and his allies’ total disregard for democracy or the rule of law is dangerous and a disgraceful embarrassment to our country – and voters will remember that come November.”

As he provides emotional support to Donald Trump today, Matt Gaetz said he is “standing back and standing by” — an explicit reference to Trump’s infamous call to the Proud Boys before they violently attacked the Capitol on January 6.

The Independent: “Matt Gaetz invokes Trump’s infamous call to Proud Boys at trial: ‘Stand back and stand by’”

CBS News: “‘Stand back and stand by’: Trump declines to condemn white supremacists at debate”

Reuters: “Trump, asked if he would denounce white supremacists and militia groups during Tuesday night’s U.S. presidential debate, told the right-wing group the Proud Boys to ‘stand back and stand by.’”

Associated Press: “Trump to far-right extremists: ‘Stand back and stand by’”

CNN: “Trump’s debate callout bolsters far-right Proud Boys”

New York Times: “Proud Boys celebrate Trump’s ‘stand by’ remark about them at the debate.”

As Proud Boys show up to his rallies, Trump is STILL refusing to condemn them.

Washington Post: “At least 10 men wearing the uniform of the Proud Boys, a violent extremist group, appeared outside the entrance of a [Trump] rally.”

NJ.com: “Spotted along the boardwalk were a few people wearing T-shirts that read ‘Proud Boys,’ a right-wing group the Anti-Defamation League has labeled as extremist. Among the crowds gathered at the entrance to the beach awaiting Trump’s arrival were three masked Proud Boys members.”

Trump is relying on his MAGA minions to provide him with emotional support – and they are desperately obliging.

Jay O’Brien, ABC News: “Spotted in court today with Trump: 

Rep Matt Gaetz (R-FL)

Rep Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL)

Rep Ralph Norman (R-SC) a notable former top Nikki Haley endorser 

Rep Lauren Boebert (R-CO)

Rep Diana Harshbarger (R- TN)

Rep Michael Cloud (R-TX)

Rep Bob Good (R-VA), chair of House Freedom Caucus

Rep Andy Biggs (R-Az)

Rep Andy Ogles (R-TN)

Rep Eli Crane (R-Az)”

Axios: “Trump grip tightens with high-profile loyalty test”

NBC News: “Trump’s vice presidential contenders show their support — and loyalty — in court”