Following President Trump declaring that the far-left anarchist movement Antifa would be treated as a terrorist organization and the socio-political upheaval stemming from the death of George Floyd, petitions calling for the KKK to be classified as a terrorist group have gone viral, racking up millions of signatures in just four days.
The Change.org petition calls for the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist organization, to officially be listed and recognized as a terrorist group by the government. One of many, another petition calling for the KKK to be classed as a terrorist group is at 178,000 signatures, and another one is approaching the million mark as well.
"Ever since the inception of the Ku Klux Klan in December 24,1865 they have terrorized American citizens for the color of their skin and opposing views," the petition explains. "This group has a long history of murder & intimidation of people based on color and religion. Black Americans have suffered the most under this terror group."
The KKK is currently classified as a domestic extremist group in the U.S. since there is no definition for a domestic terrorist organization. The State Department clarified that in order for a group to be listed as a terrorist organization, it must be a foreign organization that engages in terrorist activity that threatens the security of the country or its citizens. By that definition, Trump also may not be able to classify Antifa as a terrorist group.
When asked about the petitions, a spokesperson for the State Department said they do not discuss any specific designations or internal deliberations.
Sign the petition here.