Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison’s recent appearance on MSNBC raised eyebrows as he dismissed Antifa as an “amorphous” idea lacking any real structure. This characterization comes across as disingenuous, especially considering his own history of supporting the group. In a striking contradiction, Ellison previously showcased his endorsement of Antifa by posting a photo of himself in 2018, smiling with a copy of “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook” by Rutgers professor Mark Bray.
During the interview, Ellison argued, “If there really is no Antifa as an institutional organization, then anybody who’s associated with Antifa-like ideas, you know, can be persecuted.” He continued to downplay its significance, asserting that “nobody even knows what it is.” This contradiction raises questions about Ellison’s credibility. For many observers, Antifa operates with organized characteristics: it has flags, uniforms, local chapters, and even specific directives for its members. To claim it is merely a vague concept is at odds with the visible and active nature of the group.
Ellison’s comments reflect a broader tendency among some political figures to minimize threats they disagree with. By framing Antifa in such a way, he risks trivializing the actual actions of those affiliated with the group. These are not just abstract notions; they manifest in organized protests and violent encounters. Critics point out that Ellison seems to ignore the evidence of Antifa’s organized activities, suggesting a deliberate misrepresentation.
Adding to the complexity, Ellison’s own family ties cannot be overlooked. His son, Jeremiah Ellison, a Minneapolis City Council member, openly supported Antifa in 2020, stating, “I hereby declare, officially, my support for ANTIFA.” This personal connection raises further concerns about Ellison’s stance and motivations in discussing the group on a national platform.
The backlash against Ellison’s comments is compounded by recent developments, such as President Trump’s executive order labeling Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. This designation follows the group’s increasing involvement in political violence and efforts to stifle dissent. As a result, the anti-Antifa sentiment in conservative circles has only intensified.
Bray, the author of the handbook Ellison once proudly displayed, has faced serious repercussions. A petition initiated by Turning Point USA at Rutgers seeks his dismissal, alleging he endangers students with his proclaimed support for Antifa and militant actions against conservative figures. The climate has become so hostile that Bray reportedly received death threats, prompting his departure from the United States.
Ellison’s disavowal of Antifa as an organized body stands in stark contrast to the reality faced by those who have engaged with it. His attempt to justify these views seems more like an effort to evade responsibility for his earlier choices than a factual assessment. The mounting evidence of Antifa’s organized nature is hard to overlook. Ellison’s repeated insistence that Antifa is merely an idea will likely fall flat as long as facts and circumstances suggest otherwise.
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