On October 4, Rutgers professor Mark Bray, who authored Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook, became the target of an online smear campaign. An accusation from the Rutgers chapter of Turning Point USA labeled him as “supporting terrorist behavior,” gaining traction on Fox News. Following this, Bray received death threats, leading him to flee the U.S. with his family on October 9 after struggling to leave the country the first time due to canceled reservations and federal interrogations.
Bray attributes the escalation of threats to political rhetoric from the Trump administration, particularly an executive order categorizing “antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization. He discusses his academic focus on antifascism, stating that while he opposes fascism, it’s misleading to equate his research with active membership in antifascist groups.
He argues that we are beyond “preventative antifascism,” having reached a point where far-right ideologies have direct access to political power. He emphasizes the need for a new, pluralistic approach to resistance that encompasses various forms of civil disobedience.
Bray seeks to clarify misunderstandings about “antifa,” explaining it as a loosely organized movement rather than a single group. He asserts the importance of mobilizing against growing fascism and encourages resistance through informed action. The article concludes with Bray’s concerns about the future of academia and the potential for increased suppression of dissent in the U.S. He remains hopeful for change while acknowledging the urgency of activism.
