Top FBI official accused of making up terror threat by lawmaker
A top FBI official struggled to explain his claim that Antifa is the “most immediate violent threat” America is facing, as he was challenged to provide details.
Former Trump FBI Director Christopher Wray stated in 2020 congressional testimony that Antifa is “not a group or an organization. It’s a movement or an ideology.” The BBC has explained that Antifa is “a loosely organized, leftist movement that opposes far-right, racist and fascist groups.”
“Antifa is short for anti-fascist,” the BBC added. “It is a loose, leaderless affiliation of mostly far-left activists.”
House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie Thompson on Thursday asked Michael Glasheen, FBI national security operations director, to describe “organizations that pose, on the domestic side,” the number one and number two threats to the homeland.
Glasheen asked for clarification.
“Any domestic terrorist organizations that poses a threat to the homeland as we speak,” Thompson replied.
Pointing to President Donald Trump’s designation of Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, Glasheen said, “That’s our primary concern right now.”
He described Antifa as “the most immediate violent threat that we’re facing on the domestic side.”
“So, where is the Antifa headquartered?” Thompson pressed.
After a pause, Glasheen said: “What we’re doing right now —” before Thompson cut him off.
“Where, in the United States, does Antifa exist?” he asked. “If it’s a terrorist organization — and you’ve identified it as number one.”
“We are building out the infrastructure right now,” Glasheen responded.
“So what does that mean?” Thompson pressed. “Where do they exist? How many members do they have in the United States as of right now?”
“Well, that’s very fluid,” Glasheen said, describing it as “ongoing,” before comparing the situation to Al Qaeda and ISIS.
“I asked one question, sir,” Thompson replied. “I just want you to tell us. If you said Antifa is the number one domestic terrorist organization, operating in the United States, I just need to know where they are, how many people. I don’t want a name. I don’t want anything like that. Just, how many people have you identified with the FBI, that Antifa is made of?”
“Well, the investigations are active,” Glasheen replied.
“Sir, you wouldn’t come to this committee and say something you can’t prove. I know. I knew you wouldn’t do that. But you did.”