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Joey Gibson (political activist)

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Joey Gibson
Gibson in 2017
Personal details
Born (1983-11-08) November 8, 1983 (age 40)[1]
Camas, Washington, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Alma materCentral Washington University
Known forFounder of Patriot Prayer

Joseph Owan Gibson (born November 8, 1983)[1] is an American right-wing activist[2] and the founder of the far-right group Patriot Prayer, which is active in Portland, Oregon and other cities within the Pacific Northwest.[3]

Early life and education

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Gibson was born in Clark County, Washington to an Irish father and Japanese mother.[4][5] He grew up in Camas, Washington[6] with two siblings in a Catholic household.[4] He played high school football at Camas High School and was a quarterback before he "got in trouble with the law."[3] After pleading guilty to a felony theft charge in 2002, Gibson was barred from owning a gun until 2015, when he petitioned Clark County to restore access.[7] He spent some time in jail and then was homeless living in Portland, Seattle, Mexico, and Hawaii.[3] He worked as a football coach at Skyridge Middle School and earned his GED.[3] Gibson went on to earn a degree in psychology from Central Washington University.[4]

Activism

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In 2016, Gibson founded the far-right[8] group Patriot Prayer.[9][5] Gibson was motivated to become an activist after he viewed TV coverage of a June 2, 2016, Trump rally in San Jose, California, where protests turned to brawling.[10] At his early rallies, Gibson was known to wear a "Hillary for Prison" T-shirt.[11]

In January 2018, Gibson along with members of Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys, including Tusitala Toese, antagonized participants at the 2018 Women's March in Seattle.[12]

On February 25, 2018, Gibson announced that he would be running as a Republican in the 2018 U.S. Senate election in Washington, seeking to unseat incumbent Democrat Maria Cantwell.[13] Gibson was defeated in the primary election, receiving 2.3% of the votes cast.[14][15]

During a March 2018, campaign rally in Spokane Valley, Washington, Gibson expressed opposition to Antifa, which frequently protest at his events, and stated regarding white nationalists that "I would say the same thing to them that I would say to any black nationalist or Mexican nationalists [sic] group, we have to drop the identity of politics and focus on what is on the inside."[16] He has said freedom of speech is a central element to his platform. Gibson's views have been described as "a complicated muddle" by the Inlander and "basically Alex Jones meets Bernie Sanders" by The Stranger.[17][18] The Proud Boys, another far-right group,[19] have also been present at several of Gibson's events.[20][21]

In February 2019, Willamette Week reported that a Portland police lieutenant kept in close touch with Gibson, passing on to him intelligence about the anti-fascist movement in the city, and also advised him on how a Patriot Prayer member could avoid being arrested.[22] Portland's Independent Police Review investigated and cleared the officer because he was gathering information on the groups and trying to defuse potential clashes with his advice.[23]

On September 4, 2020 Facebook removed Gibson's page, along with the page for Patriot Prayer, as part of its "ongoing efforts to remove violent social militias from our platforms".[24][25] The company's action followed escalating tensions related to protests in Portland, Oregon,[26] as the city continued to experience demonstrations related to the May 2020 murder of George Floyd.

Gibson appeared at a protest against COVID-19 lockdowns on December 21, 2020, in which he tried to force his way into the Oregon State Capitol during a special session of the Oregon legislature.[27] In September 2021, Gibson demonstrated with Tusitala "Tiny" Toese at an anti-mask protest at Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington.[28][29]

May Day riot

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Gibson was one of six men accused of inciting a riot between Patriot Prayer and Antifa on May Day 2019 in Northeast Portland outside of the bar Cider Riot.[30] He was indicted for felony riot by the Multnomah County District Attorney on August 15, 2019.[31] Gibson pleaded not guilty to the charge.[30] In an appearance on the Lars Larson show, Gibson said he was being unfairly targeted and stated "I was on a sidewalk recording, no different than Andy Ngo."[32]

A Portland police detective said Gibson could be seen in a video taunting and threatening members of Antifa and later pushing a woman before she was hit with a baton and knocked unconscious by someone else.[30] During the brawl, the woman had her vertebrae broken.[33][34] Cider Riot's owner sued Gibson and associates for $1 million for their actions.[35] On September 11, 2020, Gibson filed a federal lawsuit against Multnomah County's district attorney, alleging selective prosecution based on political beliefs.[30] A federal judge threw out his lawsuit in February 2021, partly because the court did not have jurisdiction due to the ongoing state court proceedings.[36]

In July 2022, the trial judge acquitted Gibson of felony riot charges and rebuked the district attorney's office for pursuing a trial on the evidence presented.[37] Based on the prosecution video of Gibson taunting Antifa protestors, the judge ruled that Gibson's activity amounted to speech, and Oregon law prohibited considering speech in deciding riot cases.[37] Gibson sued Portland and Multnomah County officials for malicious prosecution in June 2023, seeking $100 million.[38] The lawsuit was dismissed by a U.S. district judge in February 2024.[39]

Political positions

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In 2017 and 2018, Gibson considered himself to be a moderate libertarian.[40][41] His organization has been described in the media as "alt-right".[42][43] Gibson has denied that his group is alt-right, and has disavowed white supremacists[44][45][46][47] who frequently appear at his events.[48] In 2017, the Anti-Defamation League described his views as appearing to be alt-lite.[49]

Gibson expressed support for a pathway to citizenship for non-criminal undocumented immigrants, decriminalization of marijuana, and same-sex marriage.[50] Gibson has advocated for the establishment of term limits for the U.S. Congress, for implementation of a national sales tax, and for abolition of the Internal Revenue Service.[17] He expressed opposition for what he describes as the undue influence of the pharmaceutical industry on healthcare in the United States.[45]

References

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  1. ^ a b Zielinski, Alex (September 6, 2019). "Watch: Video Footage of Patriot Prayer Allegedly Instigating May Day Riot, According to Police Affidavit". Portland Mercury. affidavit cited within article.
  2. ^ Borter, Gabriella; Hay, Andrew (September 2, 2020). "What to know about Patriot Prayer as Trump supporters take stand in Portland". Reuters. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d Shepherd, Katie (July 2, 2017). "Joey Gibson aims to 'liberate conservatives' via his Patriot Prayer group". The Columbian.
  4. ^ a b c Fowler, Lilly (August 25, 2017). "Patriot Prayer leader dislikes racists, but they seem to hear a whistle". Crosscut. Retrieved January 17, 2018.
  5. ^ a b "San Francisco shuts down 'Patriot Prayer' rally by walling off city park". Fox News. Associated Press. August 26, 2017. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  6. ^ Olmos, Sergio (January 30, 2020). "Patriot Prayer – the new face of 'nativist bigotry'". The Columbian. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
  7. ^ Templeton, Amelia (August 2, 2018). "Joey Gibson, Lacking Oregon Permit, Says He Will Not Carry Gun At Rally". OPB. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  8. ^
  9. ^ May, Patrick (August 23, 2017). "Who's behind this weekend's right-wing rally at Crissy Field?". Mercury News. Retrieved September 25, 2017.
  10. ^ Matarrese, Andy; Dake, Lauren (July 2, 2017). "Joey Gibson aims to 'liberate conservatives' via his Patriot Prayer group". The Columbian. Archived from the original on October 2, 2017. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  11. ^ Craig, Tim; Mekhennet, Souad (September 1, 2020). "Portland killing renews focus on tactics of far-right group Patriot Prayer". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  12. ^ Nichols, William Bradford (January–February 2019). "What PATRIOT PRAYER is Praying For". The Humanist. 79 (1): 23+. Retrieved September 12, 2021 – via Gale Academic OneFile.
  13. ^ Dixon Kavanaugh, Shane (February 26, 2018). "Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson plans U.S. Senate run in Washington". The Oregonian.
  14. ^ "Washington Primary Election Results". The New York Times. September 24, 2018.
  15. ^ Camden, Jim (August 8, 2018). "Cantwell tops U.S. Senate field, faces Hutchison in November". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  16. ^ Hammer, Hawk (March 26, 2018). "US senate candidate Joey Gibson holds rally in Spokane amid counter protests". KXLY-TV. Archived from the original on April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  17. ^ a b Herzog, Katie (February 26, 2018). "Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson is Running for Senate". The Stranger. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  18. ^ Walters, Daniel (March 23, 2018). "US Senate candidate Joey Gibson, magnet for the violent alt-right, is holding a rally in Spokane Valley on Sunday". The Inlander. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  19. ^ "Proud Boys". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  20. ^ Craig, Tim; Mekhennet, Souad (September 1, 2020). "Portland killing renews focus on tactics of far-right group Patriot Prayer". The Washington Post.
  21. ^ Graham, Natalie; Hsieh, Steven. "Police Made Five Arrests and Deployed Pepper Spray at the UW Patriot Prayer Rally". SLOG. The Stranger. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  22. ^ Weill, Kelly (February 15, 2019) "Antifa: Portland Police 'Protect White Supremacy' by Passing Intel to Patriot Prayer" The Daily Beast
  23. ^ Bernstein, Maxine (September 12, 2019). "Cop cleared in controversy over his friendly texts with Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson before, during protests". The Oregonian. Retrieved May 10, 2020.
  24. ^ Flanigan, Kaitlin (September 4, 2020). "Patriot Prayer, Joey Gibson's Facebook pages removed". KOIN. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  25. ^ Hay, Andrew; Paul, Katie (September 4, 2020). "Facebook removes pages of right-wing group Patriot Prayer after Portland unrest". Reuters. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  26. ^ Brynelson, Troy (September 4, 2020). "Facebook removes Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson". OPB. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  27. ^ Gruver, Tim (December 21, 2020). "Protests rock Oregon Capitol as lawmakers convene hectic special session". The Center Square. Retrieved December 22, 2020.
  28. ^ "Anti-mask demonstrators return to school despite court order". AP News. September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  29. ^ Brynelson, Troy (September 10, 2021). "Anti-mask demonstrators return to Vancouver's Skyview High School, despite court order". OPB. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  30. ^ a b c d Bernstein, Maxine (September 12, 2020). "Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson sues Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt in federal court". The Oregonian. Retrieved October 9, 2020.
  31. ^ Powell, Meerah (August 15, 2019). "Criminal Rioting Charges Filed Against Joey Gibson Of Patriot Prayer". OPB. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  32. ^ "Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson to be arraigned Monday morning on felony riot charge". KGW8. August 15, 2019. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  33. ^ Shepherd, Katie (August 16, 2019). "As Arrests Mount, At Least One Far-Right Paramilitary Group Has Bailed Out of the Aug. 17 Rally in Portland". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  34. ^ Shepherd, Katie (August 15, 2019). "Patriot Prayer Leader Joey Gibson Will Face Criminal Charges In May Day Riot, His Lawyer Says". Willamette Week. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  35. ^ Ryan, Jim; Theen, Andrew; Dixon Kavanaugh, Shane (August 15, 2019). "Joey Gibson faces felony charge in fight at NE Portland's Cider Riot, preparing to turn self in". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 2, 2023.
  36. ^ Powell, Meerah (February 27, 2021). "Federal judge throws out Joey Gibson's lawsuit against Multnomah County DA". OPB. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
  37. ^ a b "Judge acquits Patriot Prayer founder, one other, in riot trial". Statesman Journal. Associated Press. July 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  38. ^ Sparling, Zane (June 9, 2023). "Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson Sues Portland, County for Failed Riot Prosecution". The Daily Chronicle. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  39. ^ Collier, Dillon; Hernandez, Erica; Saunders, Joshua (March 21, 2024). "Records: Wren Collective behind controversial Portland protest policy". KSAT. Retrieved June 16, 2024.
  40. ^ Labash, Matt (September 1, 2017). "A Beating in Berkeley". The Weekly Standard. Archived from the original on October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 11, 2017.
  41. ^ "Report: Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson to run for Senate". KGW. February 25, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  42. ^ Peele, Thomas (September 25, 2017). "Leader of Patriot Prayer promises rally, march Tuesday in Berkeley". The San Jose Mercury-News.
  43. ^ "Alt-right Rally: San Francisco Dog Owners to Cover Site with Dog Poop in Counterprotest". Newsweek. August 25, 2017.
  44. ^ Vercammen, Paul (June 5, 2017). "14 arrested as the many extremes of Portland collide in protest". CNN. Retrieved September 23, 2017.
  45. ^ a b Matarrese, Andy (February 25, 2018). "Patriot Prayer leader Gibson announces Senate run against Cantwell". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
  46. ^ Dixon Kavanaugh, Shane (January 25, 2018). "Photos show OSU student govt. rep making Nazi salute, waving swastika flag". The Oregonian. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  47. ^ Neiwert, David (February 12, 2018). "Patriot Prayer whips up anger in Seattle, but not much of a crowd". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  48. ^ Neiwert, David (August 8, 2017). ""Patriot" Rally Trolls Portland's Left for Violence, But Only Smatterings Occur". Southern Poverty Law Center. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
  49. ^ Westervelt, Eric (August 25, 2017). "Bay Area Braces For Protests: 'Charlottesville Has Raised The Stakes'". NPR. Retrieved May 8, 2020.
  50. ^ Kavanaugh, Shane Dixon (February 25, 2018). "Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson plans U.S. Senate run in Washington". The Oregonian. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
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