Trump Considers Designating Antifa a 'Terrorist Organization' Ahead of Protests
President weighs up far-left group ahead of Portland clashes
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President Donald Trump announced on Twitter there is “major consideration” being given to designating the far-left group Antifa as a terrorist organization ahead of the protests upcoming protests in Portland.
“Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an ‘ORGANIZATION OF TERROR,’” the president tweeted.
“Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully, the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!”
In preparation for the protests, two dozen local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Protective Service and the FBI, are in Portland to help monitor the demonstrations.
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Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler said on Fox News’ "Outnumbered Overtime" said he’s confident “from a law enforcement perspective, we're going to have all the tools and the resources and personnel we need.”
“We support people's rights to demonstrate,” Wheeler said.
“But we don't care about who you are or your politics are. If you engage in violence in this city, you will be held accountable."
The so-called anti-fascists vowed to confront the rally, while leaders of the far-right urged their followers to turn out in large numbers.
Antifa is known for covering their faces with masks, making it harder to identify them.
Patriot Prayer's Joey Gibson, who organized similar rallies in 2017 and 2018, surrendered Friday on an arrest warrant for felony rioting.
Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an “ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.” Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2019
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According to Fox News: He was at a confrontation that broke out on May 1 outside a bar where members of the Antifa movement had gathered after a May Day demonstration.
In a video he live-streamed on Facebook, Gibson accused the police of playing politics by arresting him but not the masked demonstrators who beat up conservative blogger Andy Ngo at a June 29 rally that drew national attention to this small, liberal city.
Authorities asked residents not to call 911 unless it's a life-threatening emergency and to stay away from the heart of downtown.
Some city streets will be closed Saturday, as well as a major bridge connecting the east and west sides of the city.
Last month, Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik called on the FBI to officially declare Antifa domestic terrorists.
Kerik's call follows the vicious assault against journalist Andy Ngo in Portland, Oregon last weekend by a pack of Antifa thugs.
Conservatives nationwide are now demanding that the Justice Department and the federal government formally declare the radical, left-wing group a domestic terror organization.
