Bogus Antifa Claims Follow Capitol Riot

Quick Take

Viral social media posts and a Republican House member have amplified claims wrongly identifying some right-wing figures at the U.S. Capitol riot as part of “antifa.” The claims feed into an unfounded conspiracy theory that anti-fascist activists in disguise orchestrated the event.

Full Story

Following a pro-Trump mob storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, viral posts spread a groundless theory that members of “antifa” — not supporters of President Donald Trump — were actually behind the riot.

There has been no evidence put forward that “antifa,” an umbrella term used to describe anti-fascist groups, was responsible for the events.

U.S. Capitol Police announced that 14 people were on Jan. 6, most for unlawful entry. That’s in addition to the 69 individuals that he could not yet identify any particular groups involved. Federal authorities are also . The FBI’s assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington field office, ,  in a Jan. 8 call with reporters that there was currently “no indication” that antifa activists had disguised themselves as Trump supporters and carried out the Capitol riot.