During a White House press conference on Monday, former President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to classify antifa as a terrorist organization following the recent assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk.
When questioned about the tragic event, Trump indicated he would “100 percent” support such a designation, provided he receives backing from his administration officials. He specifically emphasized that “antifa is terrible” while also noting the existence of other “pretty radical groups” that have “got away with murder.”
The former president additionally suggested implementing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges against individuals who have allegedly funded agitation activities with “millions and millions of dollars.”
The discussion follows the fatal shooting of Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, during a debate forum at Utah Valley University on September 10. The suspect, identified as Tyler Robinson, was apprehended approximately 33 hours after the incident, according to FBI reports.
Law enforcement officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Utah Governor Spencer Cox, have indicated that Robinson held leftist ideologies. Investigators discovered anti-fascist messages engraved on bullets recovered during the investigation. However, authorities have not yet established direct links between Robinson and specific antifa groups.
The FBI is currently investigating social media activity that might have previewed knowledge of Kirk’s assassination. The Washington Free Beacon has highlighted several X (formerly Twitter) accounts that posted suspicious messages referencing the date of Kirk’s death, though these claims await independent verification.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed ongoing investigations into potential accomplices, though no additional arrests have been made. Robinson’s court arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, and it remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation.
Earlier the same day, White House adviser Stephen Miller and Vice President JD Vance announced administration efforts to investigate networks responsible for organizing riots and street violence across the United States. Miller specifically referred to these entities as a “domestic terror movement.”
Antifa, known for its decentralized structure and extreme political views including communist and anarchist ideologies, typically operates through independent cells. The movement is characterized by its preference for “direct action” over traditional political processes and is often associated with violent protests, particularly during the summer 2020 unrest following George Floyd’s death. Members frequently don black clothing and masks during demonstrations to conceal their identities.
The FBI’s investigation continues to examine various aspects of the case, including online communications and potential network
connections. A source close to the investigation confirmed to The Epoch Times that authorities are scrutinizing social media accounts that may have shown prior knowledge of the assassination.
The tragedy has prompted significant response from administration officials, with both Miller and Vance emphasizing the government’s commitment to investigating organized violence and related activities across the country. Trump’s statement about potential terrorist designation represents the latest development in an ongoing national conversation about political violence and extremism in America.
Kirk’s assassination has sparked renewed debate about political violence and the role of extremist groups in American society, with law enforcement agencies working to uncover any potential broader conspiracy behind the attack. The incident continues to draw attention from both political figures and law enforcement officials as investigations proceed.