July 29th, 2015 Austin, Texas USA: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton testifies in front of the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, just a few days before a grand jury indicts him on three felonies.Two charges of first-degree securities fra …
AUSTIN - Prompted by the assassination of Charlie Kirk and recent North Texas shootings at ICE facilities, Texas AG Ken Paxton plans to investigate "leftist terror cells" in the state.
Paxton compared the "political terrorism" that led to the attacks to a "cancer" on American culture in his Tuesday release.
Paxton to investigate ‘leftist terror’
What we know:
The attorney general says he's launching "undercover investigations" into "various groups" affiliated with political violence in Texas.
He refers to "corrupted ideologies," mentioning transgender people and Antifa, in connection with recent high-profile shootings.
The July shooting at an ICE facility in Alvarado which injured an officer, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the Dallas ICE facility shooting that killed two detainees and injured another were mentioned as examples of political violence being "celebrated" by Paxton's political opponents.
Alleged shooters and accomplices in Alvarado ICE Facility ambush appear in federal court
Nine defendants, allegedly led by a cult leader, appeared in court to face charges for the July ambush-style shooting of an Alvarado police officer during an attack at an ICE facility.
What we don't know:
While he mentions transgender people and anti-fascist ideologies, the specific groups Paxton plans to investigate are not disclosed in the release.
‘A turning point in America’
What they're saying:
"Leftist political terrorism is a clear and present danger. Corrupted ideologies like transgenderism and Antifa are a cancer on our culture and have unleashed their deranged and drugged-up foot soldiers on the American people," Paxton said in his release. "The martyrdom of Charlie Kirk marks a turning point in America. There can be no compromise with those who want us dead. To that end, I have directed my office to continue its efforts to identify, investigate, and infiltrate these leftist terror cells. To those demented souls who seek to kill, steal, and destroy our country, know this: you cannot hide, you cannot escape, and justice is coming."
Dallas ICE facility attack: Second victim dies days after shooting
Following a targeted shooting at a Dallas ICE facility, 32-year-old Miguel Ángel García-Hernández, died days later, leaving behind a pregnant wife and four young children.
Antifa designated as terror group
Big picture view:
President Donald Trump designated Antifa as a domestic terrorism organization in September.
According to the White House, Antifa has a long history of terrorizing American communities.
Tyler Robinson's attorney requests more time to review evidence in Charlie Kirk case
Prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and reportedly are planning to seek the death penalty.
Due to this history, Trump directed "all relevant executive departments and agencies shall utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all illegal operations — especially those involving terrorist actions — conducted by Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa."
The Source: Information in this article comes from Texas AG Ken Paxton's office and previous FOX Local coverage.