A Marine-turned-Navy SEAL operator is under investigation for having ties with extremist groups such as the Proud Boys after local reporters and activists, as well as major media outlets, revealed he attended many protests and events throughout Southern California.
Chief Special Warfare Operator Bryce Henson is under investigation following allegations of “possibly participating with, or supporting, extremist causes,” Navy spokesman Cmdr. Ben Tisdale confirmed to Military.com.
Henson rose to prominence over the past year while attending protests as well as school board and city council meetings, where he pushed anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric under a false name and often in the company of Proud Boy members.
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Tisdale said that “while sailors are always allowed to exercise their rights to freedom of speech and assembly if they follow the law and policy restriction, participation with hate or extremist groups of any kind is contradictory to the core values of the Navy and is not tolerated by [Navy Special Warfare].”
In a report released in December 2021, the Pentagon created new guidelines for activities that are banned for all service members by adding more detail and clarity on what constitutes extremist activity as well as “active participation.”
The new rules also said that “advocating widespread unlawful discrimination” based on…
