Trump designates Antifa as ‘terrorist organization’
The move comes a week after the assassination of conservative organizer Charlie Kirk
Members of Antifa hold shields during a protest at Black Lives Matter Plaza on December 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. © Stephanie Keith / Getty Images
US President Donald Trump has announced that he is officially designating the left-wing Antifa movement as a terrorist organization.
The decision comes a week after the assassination of conservative podcaster and organizer Charlie Kirk during his college speaking tour. Senior Republican officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have attributed the murder to “left-wing extremism.”
“I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform Wednesday evening.
He added that those funding Antifa should be “thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”
Antifa, short for “antifascists,” is an umbrella term for black-clad, masked left-wing activists who often violently disrupt conservative demonstrations and clash with right-wing protesters, as well as with police.
Vance urges employers to punish anyone celebrating Kirk’s death
The movement gained national attention during the 2020 George Floyd unrest. Antifa members have also been accused of participating in riots and carrying out ambush attacks on conservative figures and journalists.
Tyler Robinson, the man charged with Kirk’s murder, had reportedly held left-leaning and pro-LGBTQ views, according to officials.
Prosecutors said he confessed to killing Kirk in text messages to his transgender romantic partner. “I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out,” Robinson allegedly wrote shortly after Kirk was shot.