NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) -A U.S. Congressman representing the state of Tennessee has introduced legislation aimed at the anti-fascist group Antifa.
U.S. Representative Tim Burchett of Knoxville (R-2nd District), has introduced what is being called the ‘Unmasking Antifa Act.’
The bill would issue fines and/or imprisonment for up to 15 years for any individual who wears a mask or disguise while committing a crime, including threatening or intimidating another individual exercising their constitutional rights or privileges.
In a statement release, Burchett called those who wear masks “cowards.” “It’s time we get tough on this issue. These cowards wouldn’t act the way they do if the whole world could see their faces,” Burchett states. “Look at the recent attack on a journalist in Portland. He was assaulted while expressing his freedom of speech. It’s just plain wrong to allow someone to commit a crime anonymously and get away with it.”
In addition, the bill creates two years of jail time for anyone who destroys buildings or property within special maritime and territorial jurisdictionwhile wearing a disguise.
