FackCheck.org, Reuters, Forbes, and Others Make False Antifa Claims Regarding Capitol Building Storm

FBI Wanted for Capitol Building Siege 

In an article on FactCheck.org titles "" the author inaccurately claims that: 

Viral social media posts and a Republican House member have amplified claims wrongly identifying some right-wing figures at the U.S. Capitol riot as part of “antifa.” The claims feed into an unfounded conspiracy theory that anti-fascist activists in disguise orchestrated the event.

Whereas they cover many social media posts that are indeed inaccurate evidence of any anti-Trump activist or activist group.

They fail to mention credible claims which do support what they are claiming to be an "unfounded conspiracy theory".

Several articles of digital evidence have surface showing "Antifa" suspected activists being forced away from the crows or outside of the building. 

One video shows a Trump supporter physically detouring an activist from breaking a window.

Another individual, John Sullivan, claims to be an Antifa activist and goes by the nickname Jayden X. We previously covered this in another false fact check from POLITIFACT. Additionally, photojournalist Jade Sacker, who has done work for NBC, Reuters, NPR, Huffington Post, and reportedly CNN, was also present inside of the Capitol building and appeared to be involved.    

Reuters makes a similar claim in a recent article on January 9th, 2020 as does Forbes in an Jan. 7th article. Newsweek and the New York Times also published similar works.

Both articles from Reuters and FactCheck.org accurately debunk a portion of the material available in support of this "claim", however, both articles fail to mention the material in its entirety. 

Antifa Presence

We are not claiming "Antifa" was present or had anything to do with the storming of the Capitol building on January 6th, 2021, only that credible evidence is available that points to its plausibility. 

Regardless, these artifacts suggest that some people involved were anti-Trump or left-wing activists that were engaged in the violence on January 6th.

Stating that this is a conspiracy theory that is "unfounded" or "baseless", is simply false.  

Summary

FatCheck.org makes a false claim in stating Antifa involvement in the January 6th, 2021 storm on the Capitol building. Reuters makes a similar claim.

Claim: "Antifa Involvement is Baseless"

Fact Check Verdict:  FALSE CLAIM  

Claimant: FactCheck.org, Reuters, NYT, Newsweek, and Forbes

 

Addition Claimants:  Angelo Fichera, Reuters Staff, Tommy Beers (Forbes), Aila Slisco, and NYT staff