“That labeling was met with heavy criticism as experts noted that antifa, short for anti-fascism, is not an organization, but rather an idea used to describe a constellation of leftwing beliefs.”

“The Trump administration was quick to frame the verdict in the Texas case as vindication of its efforts to crack down on antifa – the justice department’s press release touting the verdict uses the word 16 times.”

“‘Today’s verdict on terrorism charges will not be the last as the Trump administration systematically dismantles antifa and finally halts their violence on America’s streets,’ US attorney general Pam Bondi said in the statement.”

“But for all the Trump administration’s focus on antifa, the legal issues in the trial had nothing to do with the group.”

“The terrorism charge the defendants faced focused on the narrow issue of whether or not they provided support for specific crimes.”

“It did not require prosecutors to prove anything about the connection to an organization or their ideology.”

“Before giving the jury its deliberation instructions, US district judge Mark Pittman asked prosecutors why he should mention 'antifa' at all, suggesting it was irrelevant.”

“‘Whether it’s antifa or the Methodist Women’s Auxiliary of Weatherford, why does it matter?’ he said.”

“The long instructions he gave to the jury laying out how they should weigh the charges only included the word 'antifa' just once, in passing.”

“‘This verdict is not a jury saying antifa exists as an organization and supporting it is support for a terrorist organization,’ said Francesca Laguardia, a professor at Montclair State University who studies terrorism.”

“Mike German, a former FBI special agent, compared the prosecution to the cases of hundreds of protesters who were arrested during Trump’s first inauguration for damage caused by a small group.”

“‘Both of these efforts, I think, are less about winning convictions against those defendants and more about sending a message to protesters that you might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. And it’s not worth it to come out and protest because you might get beat up by far-right militants and the policeتراث will not protect you,’ said Mike German.”

“The experts’ concerns about surveillance and the use of Signal as evidence are specific claims.”

“The mention of the FBI document from the Guardian and the New York Times quote about the justice department official urging prosecutors to go after protesters are factual claims.”

“The statement about the government likely bringing more cases is a prediction, so it's not a factual claim.”

“The acquittals on attempted murder charges are a specific outcome.”

“The mention of the FBI's 23 regions with investigations is a factual claim.”