For years now, ANTIFA has operated with near-impunity in America’s cities, cloaked in black masks and violent rhetoric, setting fires to buildings, attacking police officers, and silencing political opponents in the name of “anti-fascism.” But what they stand for is anything but freedom. They are not a protest movement. They are not social justice warriors. They are a domestic insurgency. And it’s long past time we treat them as such.

In recent months, there’s been renewed discussion about whether ANTIFA should be formally designated as a terrorist group. Many conservatives say: what’s the holdup?

The Case for Designation

ANTIFA doesn’t operate like a traditional political group. It has no official leadership or membership roster—by design. It is a decentralized, loosely organized collective of anarchists and Marxist ideologues whose tactics include rioting, property destruction, intimidation, and physical violence. This is not peaceful protest—it is domestic terrorism, plain and simple.

We’ve all seen the footage: businesses looted and burned to the ground, American flags torched in the street, law enforcement ambushed with bricks and Molotov cocktails. These are not isolated incidents. They are the direct result of a movement that thrives on chaos and believes in using force to advance its radical agenda.

Silencing Dissent

One of the most dangerous aspects of ANTIFA is their obsession with silencing political opponents. Whether it’s attacking conservative speakers on college campuses or doxxing private citizens who express the “wrong” opinion online, ANTIFA’s goal is not justice—it’s domination through fear.

Their playbook mirrors that of authoritarian regimes throughout history: shut down opposing voices, destroy public order, and claim moral superiority while doing it. But in America, we have a Constitution—and we must defend it from all enemies, foreign and domestic.

A Double Standard in the Media and Government

Why hasn’t ANTIFA been designated a terrorist group yet? Part of the problem lies in our political and media institutions. The same outlets that breathlessly covered the events of January 6th often downplayed or ignored the widespread violence carried out by ANTIFA in Portland, Seattle, and other cities.

Let’s be clear: political violence is wrong, no matter who commits it. But selective outrage and media bias have shielded ANTIFA for too long. It’s time for federal agencies to apply the law evenly and without political hesitation.

A Path Forward

Designating ANTIFA as a domestic terrorist organization would empower law enforcement with new tools to investigate and prosecute those who seek to destroy our republic from within. It would also send a clear message: America will not tolerate politically motivated violence on any side of the spectrum.

This isn’t about silencing dissent—it’s about protecting our communities, our institutions, and the rule of law. If we’re serious about national security, then we must recognize that the greatest threats don’t always come from across the ocean. Sometimes, they wear masks and carry signs in our own streets.

We must have the courage to call evil by its name. And ANTIFA, by its actions, has earned that designation.

Brandon A. Vollmer is a conservative commentator, patriot, and public servant from Tacoma, Washington. He believes in the Constitution, common sense, and putting America first.