Alleged ties between lawyers guild and antifa trigger call for DOJ probe

A Texas Republican, Rep. Lance Gooden, has urged the Department of Justice to investigate the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) for alleged connections to Antifa and its support of violence. In a letter, he expressed concerns about the NLG's links to "left-wing extremists" and their threat to public safety.

Gooden accused the NLG of campaigning against law and order, including opposing harsher penalties for masked rioters. The NLG defended its positions, stating it does not finance Antifa, as it is merely an idea. Meanwhile, FBI investigations into Antifa’s funding and activities are ongoing.

Critics worry this move could impact free speech rights. Hina Shamsi from the ACLU warned that targeting political beliefs may jeopardize First Amendment protections.