FBI establishes new extremist designation for Trump-supporter actions
2 Min Read
The FBI's definition of AGAAVE-Other encompasses domestic violent extremism driven by motivations not addressed by other designations. This includes motivations such as committing violence due to a real or perceived association with a specific political party.
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Members of the US National Guard stand watch at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., Jan. 17, 2021. (AFP)
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) developed an extremist designation subcategory for the violent activities of former US President Donald Trump supporters, according to a Newsweek report, citing current and former government officials.
The report said that the FBI's new designation: anti-government, anti-authority violent extremism - other (AGAAVE-Other) was established in October 2022, and even though it does not mention Trump explicitly, sources familiar with the matter reportedly say it intends to apply to political violence linked to him.
The FBI's definition of AGAAVE-Other encompasses domestic violent extremism driven by motivations not addressed by other designations. This includes motivations such as committing violence due to a real or perceived association with a specific political party.
Read more: FBI report predicted 2020 election riots two months before Jan. 6: NBC
The report emerges in the midst of recent accusations by Trump that his supporters are facing unfair treatment by federal law enforcement. However, the FBI has reportedly stated that it cannot and does not conduct investigations solely based on ideology.
An official from the bureau has asserted that the FBI could investigate cases involving Democrats who resort to violence under the category of AGAAVE-Other as well. The subcategory is defined with "carefully constructed language" to maintain a nonpartisan stance but, in "practical terms," is seen as referring to Trump supporters, as noted in the report citing the official.
On another note, on January 6, 2021, supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington, seeking to prevent certification of Democrat Joe Biden's election victory.
In early August, Trump pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election and defraud the American people.
