USA - A petition urging the Donald Trump administration to formally classify the Antifa movement as a terrorist organization has been launched on the White House website. The petition was started Thursday, and as of Sunday, had garnered over 68,000 signatures. The White House is obliged to review the initiative if it reaches the benchmark of 100,000 signees by September 16 – within the 30 day period.
The author of the petition said anti-fascists should be recognized as terrorists because of their “violent actions in multiple cities and their influence in the killings of multiple police officers throughout the United States.” He added that "terrorism is defined as the use of violence and intimidation in pursuit of political aims,” and urged the Pentagon to be “consistent in its actions.”
“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,” the wording of the petition said. Antifa or the extreme left is known for its violent rivalry with white supremacists and other far-right groups across America.
President Trump came under fire following the Charlottesville events, as he initially stopped short of condemning the white supremacists and instead placed blame on ”all sides.” “What about the alt-left that came charging at, as you say, at the alt-right? Do they have any assemblage of guilt?” the US leader said. “What about the fact that they came charging with clubs in their hands swinging clubs? Do they have any problem? I think they do. That was a horrible, horrible day,” Trump added.