Activists Convicted in 'Antifa' Trial: A Dangerous Precedent for Cracking Down on Leftwing Views
Experts warn the Texas convictions of activists on terrorism charges could empower the Trump administration to label leftist groups 'domestic terrorists' and crack down on their views.
The conviction in Texas of nine activists on terrorism and other charges earlier this month has set an alarming precedent, according to experts. They warn that the Trump administration can now crack down on leftist groups and label them as domestic terrorists.
The case was widely seen as a major test of the Trump administration's efforts to punish protesters and leftist views. The charges came after a protest outside of an ICE facility outside of Fort Worth last year, where activists planned to set off fireworks in solidarity with detainees. A small group then broke away and began vandalizing cars, spraying graffiti, and slashing tires on a government van, as well as breaking a security camera. When a police officer arrived, one of the activists opened fire with an AR-15 and hit the officer in the shoulder, who ultimately survived.
