Antifa has been labeled domestic terrorists according to the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). If you’re thinking “about time,” you might be interested to know the federal government deemed them dangerous in 2016 and warned of impending violence from the so-called anti-fascists. POLITICO said it obtained evidence via interviews, and from confidential documents attesting to the fact:
Federal authorities have been warning state and local officials since early 2016 that leftist extremists known as “antifa” had become increasingly confrontational and dangerous, so much so that the Department of Homeland Security formally classified their activities as “domestic terrorist violence.”
For more than a year, officials have known of the growing concern by the Feds, yet it took until this week for leftist supporter, Nancy Pelosi, and Paul Ryan, to finally condemn the group for what they represent. Before the recent escalating violence, such as in Charlottesville, “DHS has been issuing warnings about the growing likelihood of lethal violence between the left-wing anarchists and right-wing white supremacist and nationalist groups.”
Antifa Obsession
According to POLITICO, Antifa was on the radar even before the presidential election; however, once Donald Trump was elected, their efforts and mission changed. From standing against hate crimes and inequality, the anti-fascists became obsessed with getting rid of everything to do with the new president, confederate flags and anything else they decided warranted their attention.
By the spring of 2016, the anarchist groups had become so aggressive, including making armed attacks on individuals and small groups of perceived enemies, that federal officials launched a global investigation with the help of the U.S. intelligence community, according to the DHS and FBI assessment.
The DHS had warned of possible violence in Charlottesville before it happened, yet there still wasn’t enough police presence to meet the threat. An investigation in April 2016, by the DHS, looked at Antifa and what its growing appearance might mean. The investigation was:
To determine whether the U.S.-based anarchists might start committing terrorist bombings like their counterparts in “foreign anarchist extremist movements” in Greece, Italy, and Mexico, possibly at the Republican and Democratic conventions that summer.
Antifa claims not to have a hierarchy or even a leader, but the way they organize might suggest differently. POLITICO said some of the members of Antifa have trained with other anarchist organizations overseas, including “two Turkey-based groups fighting the Islamic State.” They organize protests via the Internet and other means to make sure they bring enough “weapons,” and even bail money for any of their brethren who might get arrested.
A Growing Threat
The FBI and DHS fear social media will only add to the violent problem. As Antifa and other extremist groups post about their planned protests, the opposition pack weapons to protect themselves – and vice versa. The activities covered by the mainstream media cause outrage which works to recruit new members (on both sides). The problem is escalating, and officials worry how they will be able to fight against the growing threat.
So, how do we stop this from becoming an all-out war? How should the right proceed to get groups like Antifa the terrorist label they deserve?
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