FBI officials are struggling to provide concrete answers about Antifa, the US-based anti-fascist movement that President Donald Trump has repeatedly described as a major domestic terror threat. When pressed by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss) on Thursday at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, FBI Operations Director Michael Glasheen admitted he didn't have a clear understanding of how many members Antifa had or where they were located.
Glasheen's evasive responses came despite the FBI having been designated as the agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting suspected Antifa members. The Director's declaration that Antifa poses "the most immediate, violent threat" from domestic terrorists has sparked widespread criticism. In reality, researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that left-wing violence remains a far cry from the levels of right-wing or jihadist-related attacks.
When asked to justify the FBI's characterization of Antifa as a terrorist organization, Glasheen admitted that he didn't have a clear answer. His responses seemed more like vague assertions than concrete evidence. The lack of transparency and clarity from the FBI on this matter only adds fuel to concerns about the agency's increasing focus on alleged left-wing extremism.
The FBI's designation of Antifa as a major terror threat has sparked concern about the erosion of civil liberties, particularly in light of Trump's broader attempts to suppress dissenting voices. With the President openly dismissing mainstream news outlets and imposing severe restrictions on free speech, the boundaries between authoritarianism and democracy are becoming increasingly blurred.
The Intercept's coverage of these events serves as a vital counterpoint to the disinformation spreading through mainstream media outlets. We remain committed to holding those in power accountable for their actions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
Glasheen's evasive responses came despite the FBI having been designated as the agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting suspected Antifa members. The Director's declaration that Antifa poses "the most immediate, violent threat" from domestic terrorists has sparked widespread criticism. In reality, researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that left-wing violence remains a far cry from the levels of right-wing or jihadist-related attacks.
When asked to justify the FBI's characterization of Antifa as a terrorist organization, Glasheen admitted that he didn't have a clear answer. His responses seemed more like vague assertions than concrete evidence. The lack of transparency and clarity from the FBI on this matter only adds fuel to concerns about the agency's increasing focus on alleged left-wing extremism.
The FBI's designation of Antifa as a major terror threat has sparked concern about the erosion of civil liberties, particularly in light of Trump's broader attempts to suppress dissenting voices. With the President openly dismissing mainstream news outlets and imposing severe restrictions on free speech, the boundaries between authoritarianism and democracy are becoming increasingly blurred.
The Intercept's coverage of these events serves as a vital counterpoint to the disinformation spreading through mainstream media outlets. We remain committed to holding those in power accountable for their actions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
and what's up with the FBI labeling them as a major terror threat? doesn't seem legit at all 
they should be working on real threats like terrorism not targeting groups that are just fighting for justice 
and yeah it's super concerning that they're basically silencing dissenting voices now... shouldn't we be promoting critical thinking and open discussion, not suppressing it? 
. We need some real transparency from our law enforcement agencies, not vague assertions that only serve to fan the flames of fear and mistrust. It's time for us to have a more nuanced conversation about extremism and terrorism – one that doesn't rely on lazy labels or unsubstantiated claims 
I'm not surprised the FBI is struggling to provide concrete answers about Antifa... it's like they're having a hard time aiming their sniper rifle 
at actual threats instead of just throwing vague darts at the left wing 
. Trump's rhetoric has set the bar pretty low for what constitutes "domestic terror" – I mean, who needs facts when you can just yell loudly and claim it's happening? 
Meanwhile, the real violence is still coming from far-right extremist groups, but hey, let's just paint everything with a broad left-wing brush and call it a day 
. The Intercept is doing great work here, though – keep shining a light on these issues, even if it makes some people uncomfortable 
.
. And Trump's just addin' fuel to the fire with his constant rants about left-wing extremism 
.
. The FBI is being super vague about it and it's giving me anxiety 
. I mean, shouldn't they have some solid info on who's involved and what their plans are? 
It sounds like they're just winging it and that's not cool 
.
I don't think Antifa is even close to being as bad as the FBI says it is 
. Those left-wing attacks are super rare and most of the time they're just people protesting or standing up for what's right 
. It's not okay to suppress dissenting voices or silence opposing views 
. And what's up with this whole "left-wing extremism" thing? That just sounds like a fancy way of saying "we're not comfortable with your opinions" 
Can you believe the FBI is like "we're watching Antifa" and then suddenly can't remember what Antifa looks like? 
Like, did they have a secret handshake or something? 
Meanwhile, right-wing extremism gets all the attention while left-wing violence is just, you know, existing. 
I mean, they're designated as major terror threat but no concrete info on members or location? 
It's like they're hiding something 
. I'm not sure if he even knows what Antifa is 
. The Intercept's coverage is doing its job 
, keeping us informed and holding powers accountable 
. We need more transparency from the FBI and less speculation 
.