Sept. 22 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday, designating Antifa a "domestic terrorist organization."
The order comes nearly two weeks after Trump vowed to label the "anti-fascist" group as terrorist, following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. Trump and other Republicans have blamed Antifa for political violence, in addition to the riots following George Floyd's murder.
In signing Monday's order, government agencies will be given a mandate to investigate Antifa operations. Trump has cited Antifa's "pattern of political violence designed to suppress lawful political activity and obstruct the rule of law."
"I hereby designate Antifa as a 'domestic terrorist organization,'" Monday's order states.
"Individuals associated with and acting on behalf of Antifa further coordinate with other organizations and entities for the purpose of spreading, formenting and advancing political violence and suppressing lawful political speech," the order states. "This organized effort designed to achieve policy objectives by coercion and intimidation is domestic terrorism."
