Active Duty Navy SEAL Under Investigation for Alleged Connection With Extremist Groups

The Allegations

Chief Special Warfare Operator Bryce Henson, a former Marine now serving as a Navy SEAL, is currently under investigation for alleged connections with extremist groups, including the Proud Boys. This investigation follows reports of his participation in various protests and public meetings across Southern California, where he has been accused of propagating anti-LGBTQ+ views. Operating under the alias “Ben Richards,” Henson has been a visible figure in these events,  supposedly often seen in the company of Proud Boy members. Ben Richards was the name of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character in the 1987 film The Running Man.

Navy spokesman Cmdr. Ben Tisdale has confirmed this investigation, emphasizing that while Navy personnel are free to exercise their rights to free speech and assembly, involvement with hate groups is against Navy core values and is strictly prohibited.

This stance aligns with the Pentagon’s updated guidelines from December 2021, which detail prohibited activities for service members and categorize advocating for widespread unlawful discrimination, including that based on gender identity or sexual orientation, as extremist activity.

Henson’s activities first came into the spotlight following a Los Angeles Times report in October, which revealed his activities under the pseudonym. Local reporters and activists had been aware of his real identity since spring. KPBS, a PBS affiliate in San Diego, also covered Henson’s story.

His Online Alias

Online, Henson’s alias, “Ben Richards,” is linked to “SoCal Parent Advocates.” This group, predominantly featured on social media, was reportedly founded by Henson. In discussions with the L.A. Times, Henson admitted to using the pseudonym initially for safety but later as a means to mock transgender individuals.

Multiple media outlets have reportedly attempted to contact Henson for comments on the investigation and his dual identity but received no response. However, a statement released under his pseudonym expressed confidence that the investigation would clear him of any wrongdoing, portraying him as a committed father and hero.

Before his Navy career, Henson served over four years in the Marines, enlisting in November 2004 and leaving as a sergeant in February 2009. He joined the Navy in May 2010, immediately entering the SEAL training program, and was later assigned to the Navy Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), commonly known as SEAL Team Six. He is currently assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Center at Coronado.

Henson’s presence at various protests and public meetings was documented by photojournalist Kelly Stuart, who recognized him at a protest outside a YMCA in Santee, California, in January. Stuart observed Henson’s interactions with Proud Boy members and others, including an individual with Nazi tattoos. Stuart’s documentation and social media efforts helped reveal Henson’s identity.

Podcast Interviews

In a podcast interview in March 2023, Henson, as Ben Richards, spoke against school policies related to critical race theory, gender ideology, and COVID-19 measures, labeling these as Marxist indoctrination. He also claimed to be combating a “radical trans army.”

Stuart, who had several interactions with Henson, confronted him about his ties to the Proud Boys. Initially, Henson denied knowledge of the group but later acknowledged them as friends during a recorded conversation.
In response to the investigation and Stuart’s reporting, the “SoCal Parent Advocates” account labeled Stuart a “violent antifa member” and accused her of manipulating her photographs. Stuart refuted these claims, asserting her independent journalistic integrity.

A Navy spokesperson reminded the press that it is policy not to comment on active investigations. That same spokesperson went on to say,

“We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we proceed with this investigation. Our priority is to ensure a fair and just process for all parties involved.” 

Please keep in mind that Chief Henson has not been charged with nor convicted of any criminal wrongdoing.