Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton stated in a press release that he will investigate leftist terrorist cells after the murder of Charlie Kirk. This announcement is odd, as the inquiry into the killing of Kirk labeled the suspect as unaffiliated with any left-wing terror organizations. This action is not meant for people’s safety, but specifically to silence left-wing supporters across Texas and target Texans based on political affiliation. 

Paxton has little to no evidence that leftist terrorist groups exist in Texas. His speculation is merely an act to weaponize the police against anyone speaking out against President Donald Trump or anything Paxton disagrees with. Instead of solving real problems, like gun violence or hate crimes, Paxton is feeding into Trump’s narrative of making political opponents the enemy. 

According to reports from the Anti-Defamation League and federal crime statistics, most political violence in the U.S. comes from right-wing extremist groups, not the left. But Paxton’s press release paints a picture of Texas being under attack from left-wing extremist groups. 

This fear-mongering is not new to Americans. In the 1960s, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ran a program called COINTELPRO, targeting protestors and activists. They did this under the guise of national security when, in reality, they were spying on Americans. They used unlawful, questionable tactics such as write tapping and efforts to discredit, disrupt and defame activists. 

These efforts by the government were wrong, and still are, because it blurs the line between freedom and public safety. Protesting and activism are key parts of the American way. It allows people to express their anger and frustration peacefully. This program back in the 60s, along with what Paxton is now doing, directly cuts through everything this nation stands for. These acts by the government were and continue to be a threat to the liberties and civil rights Americans have fought and died for.

In the Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility shooting, there were claims the shooter was affiliated with left-wing terrorist organizations; however, the shooter had no connection with any such group. The administration took the idea that the shooter may have been part of the left and decided to run wild by claiming it was part of a left-wing terror cell.

Paxton is trying to split each side by fear-mongering one into thinking the other’s ideologies are extreme and poisonous to the nation. The difference in ideas makes America what it is. This contrast does not hurt the country; it makes people fight for what they believe in. Fear and division go hand in hand. 

Paxton is antagonizing protestors and those exercising their rights, as a threatening democracy. In reality, Paxton and the current administration are the true threats.