Amid rising political tensions and concerns about attacks on law enforcement and public figures, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Tuesday that his office has opened an investigation into what he described as “left-wing political violence” in the state.
In a press release, Paxton said the probe would target “various groups affiliated with left-wing political violence known to be operating in Texas,” citing what he called a growing threat of domestic terrorism. The statement characterized organizations such as Antifa as “a clear and present danger,” and accused “corrupted ideologies” of fostering hostility toward law enforcement and conservatives.
The announcement follows the September 10 assassination of conservative media personality Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, an event that has sparked national outrage and renewed debate about political extremism. Texas lawmakers have since sought to identify individuals who publicly celebrated Kirk’s death, with some calling for legal action.
Paxton also referenced a string of recent incidents involving violence against federal agents in Texas, including a shooting at a Dallas ICE facility and an earlier attack in Alvarado that led to multiple arrests on terrorism and aggravated assault charges.
“There can be no compromise with those who want us dead,” Paxton said, framing the investigation as part of a broader effort to protect law enforcement and conservative advocates.
The investigation comes shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on September 22 designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The order describes the movement as an “anarchist enterprise” aiming to overthrow the U.S. government through violent means.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice’s Joint Terrorism Task Force will coordinate efforts to identify and disrupt groups and individuals engaged in acts of domestic terrorism, including attacks on federal officers.
Antifa-affiliated groups have been active in Texas since the nationwide protests of 2020, when riots and looting occurred in several cities including Austin. More recently, counter-protesters identifying as Antifa have appeared at drag events and political demonstrations across the state.
While Paxton’s announcement has been praised by some conservatives as a necessary step toward restoring law and order, critics have warned that the investigation risks conflating peaceful activism with criminal behavior. Civil rights advocates have urged transparency from the attorney general’s office, noting that past political investigations in Texas have raised questions about partisanship and selective enforcement.
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