What is Antifa and what does it stand for?

ANTIFA is a left-wing political movement that Donald Trump has branded a "terrorist organization".

Its campaigners have sparked controversy — and headlines — after being involved in violence in cities across America.

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and top White House officials have alleged the group was to blame for much of the bloodshed around the country in the wake of 's death last summer.

Here is more on the controversial political movement.

What is Antifa and what does it stand for?

Antifa is an umbrella term for a broad spectrum of far-left and anarchist groups.

The term itself means simply anti-fascist.

The size of Antifa is not known, and it is believed not to have any leaders.

Antifa has been around for decades but was fueled by the election of Donald Trump as president and a spate of police brutality across the US.

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Who started the Antifa movement?

It is believed that the group dates back to the 1920s when members fought against European fascists.

The modern American Antifa movement began in the 1980s.

What did Trump tweet about it?

President Trump tweeted on May 31, 2020, that "the United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization".

Trump across the country following the death of Floyd in police custody in .

He also tweeted: "Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors.

"These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW."

//twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1267129644228247552

The president has also urged "weak" governors to after violent George Floyd demos.

"They're looking to do bad things to our country. They're Antifa and they're radical left," he alleged.

FBI Director Chris Wray told a hearing that the agency has been investigating "what we would describe as violent anarchist extremists,” including into individuals who identify with Antifa.

Hours after the hearing, Trump chastised Wray, saying: “And I look at them as a bunch of well-funded ANARCHISTS & THUGS who are protected because the Comey/Mueller inspired FBI is simply unable, or unwilling, to find their funding source, and allows them to get away with “murder”.

"LAW & ORDER!”

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Has Antifa been behind the riots?

More recently, they have been planning clashes with pro-Trump supporters at Inauguration Day riots, chilling flyers have revealed.

The events are being organized to confront pro-Trump protesters who are across the US.

The group was last year blamed for playing a major role in the

According to the group was "emerging as a persistent militant voice" in the city.

The paper reported that the group has anonymous leaders and considers itself anti-fascist and anti-capitalist, with its goal of overthrowing of the US political system.

Earlier this month, in a foretaste of what could unfold, Antifa used chemical spray on pro-Trump supporters, .

As the two sides squared up to each on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach,  video shows a black clad Antifa supporter pulling out a canister and spraying the MAGA fans.

In May last year, they were involved in riots in Washington D.C. The were damaged.

At one stage, Trump was for his safety.

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