Trump says he’s watching Portland antifa protest ‘closely’ and threatens to label it a terror group
by Caitlin Yilek
WashingtonExaminer.com
August 17, 2019
President Trump threatened to label antifa a terrorist organization as dueling protests are expected between the far-left anti-fascist group and right-wing extremists on Saturday in Portland, Oregon.
“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!” Trump tweeted ahead of the events.
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
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and police chief Danielle Outlaw have vowed a large police presence and to use the full force of the law against those who are violent or vandalize the city during the protests.
In June, journalist Andy Ngo was assaulted in the city while he was covering an antifa rally. The incident led Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, to request Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray conduct an investigation into the group.
Wray said in July the FBI views antifa as more of an ideology and said the bureau does not investigate ideology, though he noted the FBI has small-scale investigations underway related to violence on behalf of any ideology.
