Members of the extremist group Proud Boys celebrated online after Pres. Trump sent a message to them during the first debate. Asked if he would condemn white supremacist groups, Trump declined, instead calling on Proud Boys to & #39;stand back and stand by.& #39; #Debates2020 https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt="">

In response, far-right activists posted celebratory messages online, and the Proud Boys& #39; social media account posted a meme with Trump& #39;s remarks merged with their insignia. #Debates2020 https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt="">

& #39;President Trump owes America an apology or an explanation,& #39; said Jonathan Greenblatt, head of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats hate groups. #Debates2020 https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt="">

Megan Squire, a computer science professor who tracks online extremism, told NBC News, & #39;To say Proud Boys are energized by this is an understatement. They were pro-Trump before this shoutout, and they are absolutely over the moon now.& #39; #Debates2020 https://abs.twimg.com/hashflags... draggable="false" alt="">