WASHINGTON D.C. — A petition to designate the group AntiFa as a domestic terrorist group has circled the country and has significant support.
The petition, which is posted on the White House Petition site states:
“Terrorism is defined as ‘the use of violence and intimidation in pursuit of political aims’. This definition is the same definition used to declare ISIS and other groups, as terrorist organizations. AntiFa has earned this title due to its violent actions in multiple cities and their influence in the killings of multiple police officers throughout the United States. It is time for The Pentagon to be consistent in its actions – and just as they rightfully declared ISIS a terror group, they must declare AntiFa a terror group – on the grounds of principle, integrity, morality, and safety.”
So far, almost 291,000 people have signed the petition, which was created on August 17. The petition must get 100,000 signatures within a month before the White House is required to give a formal response. The petition has almost tripled the response.
In Minnesota, supporters of President Donald Trump agree and have encouraged others to sign the petition as well.
Ben Harris, an event leader for ACT for America told Alpha News he fully supports a domestic terrorism designation for AntiFa.
“I have witnessed myself the violence AntiFa causes,” Harris told Alpha News. “Due to the risk to the public by this group, Act for America has cancelled its September 9th rallies, including the one in St. Paul. Public safety is our number one concern and because of AntiFa, we could not hold a safe rally.”
While the White House will be required to respond to the petition towards the end of next month, one state has already taken action.
In June, the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness for the State of New Jersey declared the group “Anarchist Extremists” – which falls under the category of domestic terrorism.