On Monday, President Donald Trump designated Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. One day later, Antifa members in Oregon assaulted a federal facility to protest ICE. This is now the moment to prove his words weren’t symbolic: if Antifa is a terror organization, it’s time to treat it like one.
The Post Millennial’s Katie Daviscourt reported Tuesday that members of Antifa surrounded a federal building in Eugene, Oregon to protest ICE.
“The domestic terrorist group is posted up at the entrances/exits, pounding on doors and windows,” Daviscourt reported. “Sources inside say employees are having to find alternative exits … Federal law enforcement sources told me there has been at least one assault.”
The assault comes one day after Trump issued an executive order declaring Antifa a terrorist organization. The order instructs all departments and agencies “to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa, or for which Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa provided material support, including necessary investigatory and prosecutorial actions against those who fund such operations.”
The White House and Department of Justice did not return a request for comment at the time of publication.
For years, Antifa has terrorized American towns and cities. In Portland, for example, the domestic terrorists waged a violent campaign against the city. The terrorists launched assaults using mortar-style fireworks and lasers that can cause permanent blindness. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., however, called Antifa violence merely a “myth.”
But calling these attacks “myths” is dangerous and permits more violence — which is why Trump’s designation matters. Declaring Antifa a terrorist organization empowers agencies to handle this violent group properly in accordance with the law.
Oregon is now the test case. If Antifa can assault a federal building just one day after Trump’s order without consequence, then the declaration is nothing more than a piece of paper. If, on the other hand, federal law enforcement acts decisively, it will send a message that Antifa’s intimidation and violence will no longer be tolerated.
Either the Trump administration enforces the terrorist designation it announced, or Antifa will be emboldened to escalate its attacks because it knows there are no repercussions.
Brianna Lyman is an elections correspondent at The Federalist. Brianna graduated from Fordham University with a degree in International Political Economy. Her work has been featured on Newsmax, Fox News, Fox Business and RealClearPolitics. Follow Brianna on X: @briannalyman2