FBI Official Michael Glasheen managed to amuse much of social media on Thursday just by fumbling one simple question to Congress.
The operations director of the national security branch of the FBI managed to make a huge gaffe during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing.
During his testimony, Glasheen called antifa “the most immediate violent threat we’re facing,” a claim that supports President Donald Trump’s decision in September to declare the movement a “terrorist organization.”
However, it’s a dubious claim, especially since previous FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers in 2020 that antifa “is not a group or an organization. It’s a movement or an ideology.”
But Glasheen became flustered when Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) asked him to back up the statement with actual facts, such as the location of antifa’s headquarters.
“We are building out the infrastructure right now,” Glasheen responded.
Thompson was confused and asked, “What does that mean?” before pointing out, “We’re trying to get information. You said antifa is a terrorist organization. Tell us, as a committee, how did you come to that? Do they exist? How many members do they have in the United States as of right now?”
Glasheen tried to weasel out of specifics, telling Thompson, “Well, that’s very fluid.”
He also didn’t have a good response when Thompson asked how many people the FBI had identified as antifa members.
“Well, the investigations are active,” Glasheen said.
Thompson wasn’t impressed.
“Sir, you wouldn’t come to this committee and say something you can’t prove. I know you wouldn’t do that, but you did,” he said.
Some people snarkily helped the FBI by offering hints where antifa headquarters might be located — by pointing out service members who actually fought against fascism.