The Proud Boys, a far-right group known for inciting violent clashes with opponents at rallies, has made Harrington Hotel their “unofficial headquarters” in Washington D.C. But the hotel says it will close its doors for three days in early January, when thousands of pro-Trump supporters are set to visit the capital for a last-ditch MAGA rally encouraged by Donald Trump.
Hotel Harrington, Washington D.C.’s oldest hotel issued a statement on Monday saying it would be closed on January 4, 5 and 6, canceling all reservations.
The hotel’s move came after Trump called for a “wild” protest in Washington D.C. on January 6, the day Congress is set to certify Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
Several hundred Proud Boys stayed at the hotel while in town for a December 12 protest against the election results, according to the Washington Post. Many of them spent that afternoon drinking and chanting in front of the hotel, while other members drank on the outdoor patio of the hotel’s bar, Harry’s.
The bar has been cited three times in the past three months for violating social distancing and mask requirements. According to The Post, those all occurred on weekends when Proud Boys and other Trump supporters were in the bar.
The bar will reportedly be closed on January 6. And the hotel’s statement on Monday appears to indicate that keeping Proud Boys away is the reason for the closure.
“Washington, D.C. has been our home for 106 years and we join with all of our guests, visitors, staff and neighbors in our concern and desire for everyone’s health and safety,” it said.
“We greatly appreciate the trust our guests have placed in Hotel Harrington over the years and we wish to continue to earn that trust. While we cannot control what happens outside of the hotel, we are taking additional steps to protect the safety of our visitors, guests and employees.”
The hotel said refunds would be issued for all pre-paid reservations, according to Newsweek.
