Attorney General William Barr says “far-left extremist groups” are to blame for recent violence in Minneapolis and other cities during protests following George Floyd’s death.

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“We must have law and order on our streets and in our communities,” the attorney general said. “Unfortunately, with the rioting that is occurring in many of our cities around the country, the voices of peaceful protests are being hijacked by violent radical elements. In many places, it appears the violence is planned, organized, and driven by far-left extremist groups and anarchic groups using Antifa-like tactics.”

Barr’s new comments follow his announcement that a federal civil rights investigation would be opened into Floyd’s death: “Accountability for [Floyd’s] death must be addressed and is being addressed through the regular process of our criminal justice system both at the state and at the federal level,” the attorney general said Saturday. “That system is working and is moving at exceptional speed. … Justice will be served.”

Earlier Sunday, President Donald Trump tweeted that he plans to rule ANTIFA a terrorist organization: “The United States of America will be designating ANTIFA as a Terrorist Organization.”

Floyd died Monday, May 25, after police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck for several minutes.

[Via]