Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene are facing intense scrutiny following Monday’s indictment of several members of the Proud Boys for their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol building. As reported by CBS News, these are the “most aggressive charges” to be handed down following the MAGA insurrection. However, people are zeroing in on a curious line in the indictment that sounds very familiar. Namely the use of term “1776 RETURNS.”
According to the indictment, in December 2020, Tarrio and the Proud Boys members conspired to obstruct and stop the counting of the Electoral College vote on Jan. 6. An unnamed individual sent Tarrio a document entitled “1776 RETURNS,” which described a plan to occupy multiple buildings in Washington, D.C., including congressional office buildings. Using encrypted messaging programs, the indicted Proud Boys are accused of discussing their plans for the rally and beyond.
The 1776 theme was used by both Boebert and Greene in the lead-up to the attack. On January 5, Greene told Newsmax that Donald Trump’s “Stop the Steal” rally is “our 1776 moment.” As for Boebert, on the morning of January 6, she tweeted, “Today is 1776.” Now, that phrasing has popped up in documents pertaining to the Proud Boys involvement in the planning and execution of stopping the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
On social media, users have been quick to point out the 1776 connection, which seems like much more than just mere coincidence. You can see examples of Boebert and Greene getting called out below:
And remember, on Jan 5, Marjorie Taylor Greene told Newsmax she was echoing the words of many of her colleagues in their GOP Conference Meeting that morning, “This is our 1776 moment.” And at 8:30 AM on Jan. 6, Lauren Boebert tweeted “Today is 1776.” #TrumpCoupAttempt https://t.co/Zem798MEAo
— Edge (@TheLesson55) June 7, 2022
“1776 Returns” @laurenboebert pic.twitter.com/bG48MBSVT0
— Evan (@daviddunn177) June 6, 2022
More important analysis from Greg Sargent. Notice how “1776” is now shorthand among white nationalists to reference insurrection.
AND remember: multiple insurrectionist House members tweeted “1776” to followers, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, Madison Cawthorn. https://t.co/24YptJfr3W— Michael Sozan (@michaelsozan) June 7, 2022
Here’s a clue on culpability.
US Government indictment:#ProudBoy Tarrio received a document titled “1776 returns” that laid out plans to occupy buildings in the Capitol complex 3 days before the attack.”
Do you remember Rep. Boebert’s “1776” tweet on Jan 6?
I hope DOJ does.
— Craig Silverman (@craigscolorado) June 7, 2022
>From the indictment
Between Dec 30 and Dec 31, 2020, TARRIO communicated multiple times with an individual whose identity is known to the grand jury. On Dec 30, this individual sent TARRIO a 9-page document titled, “1776 Returns.”
>Your reminder Boebert tweeted “today is 1776” pic.twitter.com/TrWiLguGL8
— flexghost. (@flexghost1) June 6, 2022
Remember when Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene were chanting “1776” before the MAGA terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th? Things that make you go hmmmmm. https://t.co/SV4RLrBNCr
— K-Money Talks Politics (@KMoneyTalks) June 6, 2022
A nine-page plan to storm government buildings around the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 with the title “1776 Returns” was in possession of the Proud Boys who have been charged with seditious conspiracy. The document’s author is unknown.https://t.co/7OFxOGPhTz pic.twitter.com/GPMPGvVN8V
— Karl Gehring (@karlgehring) June 7, 2022
This follows. The Proud Boys and GOP extremists planned to occupy federal buildings outlined in “1776 returns”. Also explains why there was so many tweets about 1776 and Jan 6. All traitors must be held accountable.
CC: Roger Stone https://t.co/AYlIo5sjiS
— Dr. Cindy Banyai for Congress FL19 (@Cindy_Banyai_FL) June 7, 2022
Code name “1776 Returns”.
How did that get out?
(Republicans should nervous, very nervous)
Boebert and Greene mentioned 1776. Not a smart move…— Keto Larry
(@LarryDaniels4u) June 7, 2022
(Via CBS News)