President Donald Trump on Sept. 17 signaled new action against groups following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, targeting the anti-fascist antifa movement as a “terrorist organization.”
But what is antifa? And are members of this movement in California?
Is antifa an actual organization?
Antifa is short for anti-fascist, and it has been described as more of a decentralized movement than a unified organization.
A CBS News report stated that people who identify as antifa oppose fascism, nationalism, far-right ideologies, white supremacy, authoritarianism, racism, homophobia and xenophobia. Some also denounce capitalism and the government.
Most people who identify as antifa are left-wing. However, the movement is not affiliated with the Democratic Party or its leaders. Former President Joe Biden condemned antifa and called violence “unacceptable.”
During Trump’s first term, antifa rose to prominence, often clashing with far-right extremist groups emboldened by Trump’s election and rhetoric. Even after Trump lost in 2020, antifa continued its growth, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and resorting to civil disobedience and property damage to protest law enforcement’s treatment of people of color.
What does antifa mean?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of the word “antifa” is “a person or group actively opposing fascism.”
Who is antifa?
Members of antifa often cover their faces at protests to maintain anonymity, but some members publicly identify themselves.
Is antifa in California?
Because antifa is a loose affiliation of activists, members are scattered across the United States and in a few other countries.
In May 2024, a San Diego jury found two anti-fascists guilty of conspiracy to riot. The two defendants had faced various charges related to rioting and assault during a protest in the aftermath of the 2020 election. In that protest, on Jan. 9, 2021, members of the Proud Boys and other supporters of President Donald Trump had rallied and clashed with anti-fascists.
But only the anti-fascists had faced charges. Prosecutors set out to convince a jury that the assailants were not simply individual participants, but that they had conspired under the banner of antifa, essentially acting as a criminal gang.
Trump designates antifa movement as a ‘terrorist organization’
Trump said on Truth Social Sept. 18 that he was “designating” the antifa movement as a terrorist organization.
“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices,” Trump wrote.
However, it’s not clear what legal weight Trump’s proclamation will carry. Critics also say that Trump is using Kirk’s assassination as a pretext to crack down on political opponents.
A day after Utah prosecutors unveiled formal charges against the suspect in the assassination of Kirk, no evidence has emerged connecting 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with any outside group. Questions also remain about his precise motives.
Trump and senior officials have repeatedly blamed left-leaning groups for creating an atmosphere of hostility towards conservatives before Kirk’s assassination. The White House is preparing an executive order on political violence and hate speech, a Trump administration official said earlier on Sept. 17.
USA Today and Reuters reporting contributed to this report.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Who is antifa? Is it in California? What to know about the movement Trump is targeting
Reporting by Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
