Trump says US will designate 'Antifa' as 'terrorist organisation' amid violent protests

While country is rocked with violent protests over death of George Floyd and both Democrats and Republicans have pointed towards extremist groups and foreign residents for demonstrations, US President Donald Trump anunced on Twitter that he will designate Antifa as a terrorist organisation. Trump and Us attorney General William Barr have previously indicated towards extremist groups and or culprits behind unprecedented turn of events involving vandalisation of public property across country.

According to international reports, Antifa has been a long target for Trump since civil unrest in  August 2017. US President had criticised left-wing activists who clashed with police officials and white supremacists. Antifa is a short form for ‘anti-fascists’ that is an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups that oppose neo-Nazis and white supremacists at protests. Meanwhile, as thousands of Americans are angered over death of a 46-year-old black man, US government officials have warned against “outsiders” who are instigating organised riots across various cities.

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Varying reports on 'outsiders'

state and federal officials have offered varying opinions on who se ‘outsiders’ could be ranging from left-wing extremists, far-right white nationalists and even drug cartels. However, such leaders in US have t provided ‘eugh proof’ to back ir claims and more and more cities are calling on National Guard and/or imposing curfew to contain violence.

“With rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around country, voices of peaceful and legitimate protests have been hijacked by violent radical elements.  Groups of outside radicals and agitators are exploiting situation to pursue ir own separate, violent, and extremist nda," said Barr.

He added, " violence instigated and carried out by Antifa and or similar groups in connection with rioting is domestic terrorism and will be treated accordingly.”

George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died in police custody and video of incident spread r across United States while country was already battling fatal coronavirus outbreak. In viral foot, police officer, who has w been arrested, could be seen kneeling over Floyd’s neck while he was struggling for breath while being handcuffed. All four police officers involved in 46-year-old’s arrest have been fired and Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a federal civil rights inquiry.

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Im Source: AP