Trump threatens to label antifa as terror group amid rival rallies in Portland
US President Donald Trump has again warned of labeling an anti-fascism group -- known as antifa – as a terrorist organization after saying he was watching “very closely” rival protest rallies in Portland, Oregon by far-right and antifa activists this weekend.
"Major consideration is being given to naming ANTIFA an “ORGANIZATION OF TERROR.” Portland is being watched very closely. Hopefully the Mayor will be able to properly do his job!" Trump wrote in a Twitter post on Saturday.
Trump's tweet came as officials in the western city of Portland were planning a major police presence ahead of rival demonstrations expected to take place on Saturday, with local authorities announcing that all of Portland's 1,000 officers are set to work during the day.
Trump had previously threatened to designate antifa groups a terrorist organization late last month after a conservative journalist for Quillette said he was attacked amid protests in Portland in June.
"Consideration is being given to declaring ANTIFA, the gutless Radical Left Wack Jobs who go around hitting (only non-fighters) people over the heads with baseball bats, a major Organization of Terror (along with MS-13 & others). Would make it easier for police to do their job!" Trump wrote in a Twitter post last month.
This is while USA Today national daily reported that far-right groups, including members of white nationalist militia groups, have declared their intention to travel to Portland for the rallies on Saturday.
The development came as Portland’s Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler told local daily The Oregonian that he believes far-right groups organize in Portland, which is known for a left-leaning culture, because it guarantees that activists will respond to their events, generating news coverage.
"I think they come to Portland because it gives them a platform,” he said. “They know that if they come here conflict is almost guaranteed.”
Meanwhile, Police in Portland have reportedly seized a number of weapons from opposing groups of protesters in the city amid a far-right rally in the city attended by a number of white nationalist groups.
A police department spokeswoman said in a video released on social media that several weapons -- including metal poles, shields, and bear spray -- had been confiscated, but did not elaborate on the number of seized items or any arrests.
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