Joey Gibson (political activist) explained

Joey Gibson
Birth Date:8 November 1983
Birth Place:Camas, Washington, U.S.
Alma Mater:Central Washington University
Known For:Founder of Patriot Prayer
Party:Republican

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

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

Activism

In 2016, Gibson founded the far-right group Patriot Prayer.[7] [8] 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.[9] At his early rallies, Gibson was known to wear a "Hillary for Prison" T-shirt.[10]

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.[11]

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.[12] Gibson was defeated in the primary election, receiving 2.3% of the votes cast.[13] [14]

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 group, we have to drop the identity of politics and focus on what is on the inside."[15] 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.[16] The Proud Boys, another far-right group,[17] have also been present at several of Gibson's events.[18] [19]

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.[20] 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.[21]

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".[22] [23] The company's action followed escalating tensions related to protests in Portland, Oregon,[24] 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.[25] In September 2021, Gibson demonstrated with Tusitala "Tiny" Toese at an anti-mask protest at Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington.[26] [27]

May Day riot

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.[28] He was indicted for felony riot by the Multnomah County District Attorney on August 15, 2019.[29] Gibson pleaded not guilty to the charge.[28] 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."[30]

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.[28] During the brawl, the woman had her vertebrae broken.[31] [32] Cider Riot's owner sued Gibson and associates for $1 million for their actions.[33] On September 11, 2020, Gibson filed a federal lawsuit against Multnomah County's district attorney, alleging selective prosecution based on political beliefs.[28] 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.[34]

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.[35] 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. Gibson sued Portland and Multnomah County officials for malicious prosecution in June 2023, seeking $100 million.[36] The lawsuit was dismissed by a U.S. district judge in February 2024.[37]

Political positions

In 2017 and 2018, Gibson considered himself to be a moderate libertarian.[38] [39] His organization has been described in the media as "alt-right".[40] [41] Gibson has denied that his group is alt-right, and has disavowed white supremacists[42] [43] [44] [45] who frequently appear at his events.[46] In 2017, the Anti-Defamation League described his views as appearing to be alt-lite.[47]

Gibson expressed support for a pathway to citizenship for non-criminal undocumented immigrants, decriminalization of marijuana, and same-sex marriage.[48] 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.[49] He expressed opposition for what he describes as the undue influence of the pharmaceutical industry on healthcare in the United States.[43]

Notes and References

  1. News: Watch: Video Footage of Patriot Prayer Allegedly Instigating May Day Riot, According to Police Affidavit. Zielinski. Alex. September 6, 2019. Portland Mercury. affidavit cited within article.
  2. News: Borter . Gabriella . Hay . Andrew . 2020-09-02 . What to know about Patriot Prayer as Trump supporters take stand in Portland . en . Reuters . 2020-09-06.
  3. Web site: Joey Gibson aims to 'liberate conservatives' via his Patriot Prayer group. July 2, 2017. The Columbian. Shepherd. Katie .
  4. Web site: Fowler. Lilly. August 25, 2017. Patriot Prayer leader dislikes racists, but they seem to hear a whistle. January 17, 2018. Crosscut.
  5. Web site: Olmos. Sergio. January 30, 2020. Patriot Prayer – the new face of 'nativist bigotry'. 2020-10-11. The Columbian. en-US.
  6. Web site: Templeton. Amelia. August 2, 2018. Joey Gibson, Lacking Oregon Permit, Says He Will Not Carry Gun At Rally. 2021-03-21. OPB.
  7. News: May. Patrick. Who's behind this weekend's right-wing rally at Crissy Field?. September 25, 2017. Mercury News. August 23, 2017.
  8. News: San Francisco shuts down 'Patriot Prayer' rally by walling off city park. September 24, 2017. Associated Press. Fox News. August 26, 2017.
  9. News: Matarrese. Andy. Dake. Lauren. July 2, 2017. Joey Gibson aims to 'liberate conservatives' via his Patriot Prayer group. The Columbian. live. September 24, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171002110600/http://www.columbian.com/news/2017/jul/02/joey-gibson-aims-to-liberate-conservatives-via-his-patriot-prayer-group/. October 2, 2017.
  10. News: Craig . Tim . Mekhennet . Souad . September 1, 2020 . Portland killing renews focus on tactics of far-right group Patriot Prayer . en-US . The Washington Post . 2021-03-20 . 0190-8286.
  11. Nichols. William Bradford. January–February 2019. What PATRIOT PRAYER is Praying For. The Humanist. 79. 1. 23+. September 12, 2021. Gale Academic OneFile.
  12. Web site: Dixon Kavanaugh . Shane . 2018-02-26 . Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson plans U.S. Senate run in Washington . The Oregonian.
  13. News: 2018-09-24 . Washington Primary Election Results . The New York Times .
  14. News: Jim. Camden. Cantwell tops U.S. Senate field, faces Hutchison in November. The Spokesman-Review . August 8, 2018. October 27, 2018.
  15. Web site: US senate candidate Joey Gibson holds rally in Spokane amid counter protests. Hammer, Hawk. KXLY-TV. March 26, 2018. April 8, 2018. April 9, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180409133116/https://www.kxly.com/news/us-senate-candidate-joey-gibson-holds-rally-in-spokane-amid-counter-protests-1/721076708. dead.
  16. Web site: US Senate candidate Joey Gibson, magnet for the violent alt-right, is holding a rally in Spokane Valley on Sunday. Walters, Daniel. The Inlander. March 23, 2018. April 8, 2018.
  17. Web site: Proud Boys. Southern Poverty Law Center. 27 February 2018.
  18. News: Craig. Tim. Mekhennet. Souad. September 1, 2020. Portland killing renews focus on tactics of far-right group Patriot Prayer. The Washington Post.
  19. Web site: Graham. Natalie. Hsieh. Steven. Police Made Five Arrests and Deployed Pepper Spray at the UW Patriot Prayer Rally. SLOG. The Stranger. 27 February 2018.
  20. Weill, Kelly (February 15, 2019) "Antifa: Portland Police 'Protect White Supremacy' by Passing Intel to Patriot Prayer" The Daily Beast
  21. News: Maxine . Bernstein . Cop cleared in controversy over his friendly texts with Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson before, during protests . 10 May 2020 . . 12 September 2019 . en.
  22. Web site: Flanigan. Kaitlin. 2020-09-04. Patriot Prayer, Joey Gibson's Facebook pages removed. 2020-09-06. KOIN. en-US.
  23. News: Hay . Andrew . Paul . Katie . 2020-09-04 . Facebook removes pages of right-wing group Patriot Prayer after Portland unrest . en . Reuters . 2020-09-06.
  24. Web site: Brynelson. Troy. September 4, 2020. Facebook removes Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson. 2020-09-06. OPB.
  25. News: Protests rock Oregon Capitol as lawmakers convene hectic special session. The Center Square. Gruver. Tim. December 21, 2020. December 22, 2020.
  26. Web site: September 10, 2021 . Anti-mask demonstrators return to school despite court order . 2021-09-11 . AP News . en.
  27. Web site: Brynelson . Troy . September 10, 2021 . Anti-mask demonstrators return to Vancouver's Skyview High School, despite court order . 2021-09-11 . OPB . en.
  28. Web site: Bernstein. Maxine. 2020-09-12. Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson sues Multnomah County DA Mike Schmidt in federal court. 2020-10-09. The Oregonian. en.
  29. Web site: Powell . Meerah . August 15, 2019 . Criminal Rioting Charges Filed Against Joey Gibson Of Patriot Prayer . 2023-03-02 . OPB . en.
  30. Web site: August 15, 2019. Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson to be arraigned Monday morning on felony riot charge. 2021-04-12. KGW8. en-US.
  31. Web site: Shepherd . Katie . As Arrests Mount, At Least One Far-Right Paramilitary Group Has Bailed Out of the Aug. 17 Rally in Portland . 2023-03-02 . Willamette Week . August 16, 2019 . en.
  32. Web site: Shepherd . Katie . Patriot Prayer Leader Joey Gibson Will Face Criminal Charges In May Day Riot, His Lawyer Says . 2023-03-02 . Willamette Week . August 15, 2019 . en.
  33. Web site: Ryan . Jim . Theen . Andrew . Dixon Kavanaugh . Shane . 2019-08-15 . Joey Gibson faces felony charge in fight at NE Portland's Cider Riot, preparing to turn self in . 2023-03-02 . The Oregonian . en.
  34. Web site: Powell. Meerah. February 27, 2021. Federal judge throws out Joey Gibson's lawsuit against Multnomah County DA. 2021-03-10. OPB.
  35. News: July 20, 2022 . Judge acquits Patriot Prayer founder, one other, in riot trial . Statesman Journal . Associated Press . 18 September 2022.
  36. News: Sparling. Zane. Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson Sues Portland, County for Failed Riot Prosecution . 15 June 2023 . The Daily Chronicle . 9 June 2023 . en.
  37. News: Collier . Dillon . Hernandez . Erica . Saunders . Joshua . Records: Wren Collective behind controversial Portland protest policy . 16 June 2024 . KSAT . 21 March 2024 . en.
  38. Web site: Labash. Matt. September 1, 2017. A Beating in Berkeley. dead. The Weekly Standard. October 11, 2017. October 11, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171011180530/http://www.weeklystandard.com/a-beating-in-berkeley/article/2009498.
  39. Web site: Report: Patriot Prayer founder Joey Gibson to run for Senate. KGW. February 25, 2018. February 26, 2018.
  40. Web site: Peele. Thomas. 2017-09-25. Leader of Patriot Prayer promises rally, march Tuesday in Berkeley. The San Jose Mercury-News.
  41. Web site: Alt-right Rally: San Francisco Dog Owners to Cover Site with Dog Poop in Counterprotest. Newsweek. 2017-08-25.
  42. News: Vercammen. Paul. 14 arrested as the many extremes of Portland collide in protest. 23 September 2017. CNN. 5 June 2017.
  43. Web site: Patriot Prayer leader Gibson announces Senate run against Cantwell. Matarrese, Andy. The Spokesman-Review. February 25, 2018. February 26, 2018.
  44. News: Dixon Kavanaugh. Shane. January 25, 2018. Photos show OSU student govt. rep making Nazi salute, waving swastika flag. en-US. The Oregonian. 2018-02-28.
  45. News: Neiwert. David. February 12, 2018. Patriot Prayer whips up anger in Seattle, but not much of a crowd. en. Southern Poverty Law Center. 2018-02-27.
  46. News: Neiwert. David. August 8, 2017. "Patriot" Rally Trolls Portland's Left for Violence, But Only Smatterings Occur. en. Southern Poverty Law Center. 2018-02-28.
  47. News: Westervelt. Eric. 2017-08-25. Bay Area Braces For Protests: 'Charlottesville Has Raised The Stakes'. en. NPR. 8 May 2020.
  48. Web site: Patriot Prayer leader Joey Gibson plans U.S. Senate run in Washington. Kavanaugh, Shane Dixon. The Oregonian. February 25, 2018. February 26, 2018.
  49. Web site: Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson is Running for Senate. Herzog, Katie. The Stranger. February 26, 2018. February 26, 2018.

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