Seeking clarity on antifa movement

I'm writing to clarify some recent press regarding Kirkwood instructor Jeff Klinzman and the antifa movement. Antifa primarily participate in reactionary measures responding to the recent resurgence of white supremacy, countering rallies organized by hate groups officially classified by the FBI as 'extremist groups with ties to white nationalism.”

An April 15, 2019 government document titled 'Domestic Terrorism in 2018” states all 2018 domestic terrorist incidents related to race were the responsibility of white supremacists. Fifty-four percent of all individuals alleged to be involved with any acts of domestic terrorism were 'identified as white supremacists.” None were attributed to antifa. Senators have expressed concern the threat of white supremacy violence in the U.S. is being downplayed.

It's unconscionable that much of the media is choosing to inflate the 'threat” of antifa. Have some who identify as antifa committed criminal or violent activities? Yes. Have they murdered anyone? No.

Most agree that mass shootings are one of our country's biggest problems. Parkland, Santa Fe, Jeffersontown, Pittsburgh, Tallahassee, El Paso.

All of those deaths are attributed to the entities and individuals that antifa stands against and acts to disrupt - successfully.

Antifa tells neo-Nazis, white nationalists and the world that we will not accept fascism.

We will not accept racism. It is not welcome here.

Amanda Nichols

Iowa City