Jerry Nadler: Violent Antifa Riots are 'a Myth'
Leftist violence is 'a myth being spread only in Washington D.C.,' top Democrat claims
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Anti-Trump Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) claims that reports of violent Antifa-led rioting are simply "a myth."
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Nadler claimed on Sunday, without evidence, that the riots in Portland are not really taking place.
The New York lawmaker claims the Antifa violence is just something "that’s being spread only in Washington, D.C."
However, Nadler’s remarks directly contradict video evidence from Portland and other cities, widely available on social media.
His claims also conflict with what the Department of Homeland (DHS) says is happening across the country.
“The violent situation Portland has witnessed for the past eight weeks continues with violent anarchists rioting on the streets as federal law enforcement officers work diligently and honorably to enforce federal law, defend federal property, and protect the lives of their fellow officers,” DHS said in a Sunday statement.
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“As federal officers left the courthouse to respond to attacks on the fence, just like on previous nights they were met by rioters with hard projectiles, mortar style fireworks and lasers that can cause permanent blindness," the statement continues.
"Over the previous 24 hours, such assaults have resulted in at least 14 federal officers injured.”
After he was approached by journalist Austen Fletcher, Nadler was asked if he disavowed the violent riots.
“It is true. There’s violence across the whole country,” Fletcher said.
“Do you disavow the violence from Antifa that’s happening in Portland right now? There’s riots—”
Nadler then cut in before Fletcher could finish his question.
“That’s a myth that’s being spread only in Washington, D.C.,” Nadler claimed without evidence.
“About Antifa in Portland?” Fletcher pressed.
“Yes—” Nadler once again claimed without evidence.
A person with Nadler, presumably an aide, rushed in to get Nadler away from the camera and took him to a car nearby.
"Sir, there’s videos everywhere online,” Fletcher said as Nadler walked away.
"There’s fires and riots, they’re throwing fireworks at federal officers. DHS is there.
"Look online. It gets crazy, Mr. Nadler.”
WATCH:
I ran into Jerry Nadler in DC and asked him to disavow the Antifa violence/rioting in Portland.
— Essential Fleccas 🇺🇸 (@fleccas) July 27, 2020
His response?
“THATS A MYTH” pic.twitter.com/veImyE2rju
Dozens of people have been arrested during the violent riots in Portland, which have been going on for nearly 60 consecutive days, accoridng to The Daily Wire.
The Department of Justice said in a statement late last week:
According to court documents, since May 26, 2020, protests in downtown Portland have been followed by nightly criminal activity including assaults on law enforcement officers, destruction of property, looting, arson, and vandalism.
The Hatfield Federal Courthouse has been a nightly target of vandalism during evening protests and riots, sustaining extensive damage.
U.S. Marshals Service deputies and officers from the Federal Protective Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection working to protect the courthouse have been subjected to nightly threats and assaults from demonstrators while performing their duties.
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Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Chad Wolf added on Twitter yesterday, “Day 56. Last night six DHS law enforcement officers were injured in Portland. To be clear, criminals assaulted FEDERAL officers on FEDERAL property…and the city of Portland did nothing.”
“It’s time Portland join other responsible cities around the country to hold criminals accountable and protect federal property and officers,” Wolf continued.
It’s time Portland join other responsible cities around the country to hold criminals accountable and protect federal property and officers.
— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) July 25, 2020
Destroying a federal courthouse is not a constitutional right. pic.twitter.com/RvNL3ETltB
— CBP Mark Morgan (@CBPMarkMorgan) July 26, 2020
