Situation Report: Antifa goes back to basics over May Day weekend in the Pacific Northwest

May 1, also known as May Day, has long held an association with left wing extremist protests as the day signifies internationalism and class struggle. Substantial violent protests broke out in Paris, Berlin and Istanbul.

While there were not similar size actions in the United States, Antifa did take to the streets in Seattle and Portland to engage in their regular activities of targeting journalists and preventing political organizing from those they consider opponents.

On April 30, near the Justice of Peace Center in Portland, Oregon, a group Antifa members targeted a rally for the campaign and supporters of Republican Gubernatorial candidate Stan Pulliam. Pulliam also currently serves as the Mayor of Sandy, Oregon. According to reports Antifa members deployed “mortar” fireworks, paint-filled balloons, and other projectiles in an attempt to break up the lawfully held event. Two people were reportedly injured.

Pulliam has been a vocal critic of Antifa, and the failure of the Portland government to properly fund police to address the threat. Pulliam later issued a press release calling for a substantial increase in the Oregon State Police force, deputizing State Police as U.S. Marshals to federalize attacks on police, deploying the Oregon National Guard during riots, and denying state public assistance from those convicted of rioting offenses.

The Oregon primary for the Governor’s race is May 17 with crowded fields of both GOP and Democratic candidates.

On May 1, a member of Seattle Antifa was videotaped assaulting a journalist at a large May Day parade and rally in Seattle, Washington. In a live-stream video, a black-clad Antifa member in tactical gear can be seen shoving journalist Katie Daviscourt, who works for the site Post Millennial. Prior to the attack the individual can be seen attempting to cover his or her face. Selective attacks on journalists covering protests or rallies is part of the larger effort by Antifa to control media coverage of its activities. By assaulting members of the media who refuse to abide by Antifa demands (such as bans on filming criminal activities or taking videos or photographs which may be identifying) and rewarding “friendly” journalists with access, Antifa is able to control press coverage of events and deny law enforcement potential evidence of criminal activities.

The events of the May Day weekend are a reminder that while Antifa became a household word in Summer 2020 following massive nation-wide riots, the bread and butter of the movement remains the targeted disruption of Americans engaged in every-day First amendment protected activities, whether campaigning for office, leading a demonstration or serving as a journalist. While empowering state police and National Guard to respond more effectively should public order be lost is important and worthwhile, the vast majority of interactions with Antifa will continue to fall upon local law enforcement, who must be trained to recognize the ideology and practices of Antifa, so they can better safeguard American civil rights.