For the last time, No, ANTIFA didn’t attack the U.S. Capitol | John A. Tures

By John A. Tures

Initially, as the insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, some supporters all across America cheered them on. One local likened them to “storming the beaches at Normandy.”

But when these anti-American activities received widespread bipartisan condemnation, supporters of the takeover had to cover their tracks.  The new propaganda is to claim these protesters were Antifa.

It doesn’t take a Sherlock Holmes to crack this case. The bumbling Inspector Clouseau could solve it.  But those who cheered on the coup think you’re not smart enough to detect it either.

Those storming the Capitol seemed to have a problem with wearing masks (unlike Antifa), making it possible for law enforcement to track down the perpetrators. Some gave interviews to the media, displaying stolen objects, while others wore identifying items. Some even live-streamed themselves.

They really did think they would pull off this anti-democratic overthrow, and wouldn’t face any consequences. They felt they would be praised, not arrested.

Politicians from several states who participated in the march are now facing calls for resignation, including Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Adams.Texas Republicans removed a party officer for participating in these activities.

Antifa?  Really?

Newsweek also debunked claims that Antifa planned this and also effectively refuted claims that some featured in pictures were actually Antifa. They’re not the only ones.

The Washington Times claimed that facial recognition software firm XRVision identified Antifa members.

In reality, “XRVision has denied claims that images taken by its software were made available publicly. The article was removed Thursday from the Washington Times’ site,” but several GOP lawmakers who cited the Washington Times article have not walked back their comments, the Detroit Free Press reported.

A similar debunked argument also falsely claims that President-elect Joe Biden didn’t condemn protests from the left and right. Here’s the truth, from the Detroit Free Press to USA Today.

Was it Antifa that marched on the Georgia Capitol the same day, forcing Brad Raffensperger and his staff to evacuate?  Did Antifa that assault state capitols over anti-coronavirus restrictions, and organize a hit team to go after the Michigan Governor and law enforcement?

Supporters of this “Antifa Did It” theory have no explanation for why Trump watched the events unfold without calling the National Guard, and called the attackers “special people” and said “We love you,” before telling them to go home, hours after the attack began.

That terrible assault on the U.S. Capitol did not lead to a mass insurrection across the country.  Now there are a bunch of QAnon worshippers who are dismayed, wondering why that “Storm” of mass executions didn’t take place, and they wouldn’t be getting their chance to inflict pain on Americans that they didn’t like. Their online masters on the fringe had to make up some propaganda to cover up the painful truth that their beloved leader lost a legitimate election.

Opinion contributor John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga.  His work appears frequently on the Capital-Star’s Commentary Page. Readers may email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JohnTures2.