**Antifa International’s Legal Defense Fund: Backing Antifascists Worldwide**

The International Anti-Fascist Defense Fund, serving as Antifa International’s funding arm, finances the legal representation of criminally accused antifascists “anywhere in the world,” including the United States.

### Supporting U.S. Antifa Defendants

For instance, in America, the fund disbursed $5,050 to aid the legal defense of a Texas antifa cell. Suspected members face charges of attempted murder, terrorism, and organized crime for allegedly ambushing law enforcement at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility on July 4. The coordinated attack resulted in a local officer being shot in the neck.

“The stakes could not be higher for our friends,” stated a blog post by Antifa International titled “Showdown in Alvarado,” referencing the serious charges that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The disbursement was made via GiveSendGo, with the caption “With love and solidarity from your friends.” This contribution marked the fundraising campaign’s top donation to date.

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### Antifa Inc: From Ideology to Organized Support Network

Since its establishment in 2015, Antifa International’s legal aid fund has achieved significant success in helping antifa defendants avoid conviction. The organization proudly describes its interventions as “money well-spent,” celebrating when bail fund beneficiaries either “walk away from criminal trials with not guilty verdicts” or see their charges dismissed entirely.

One notable case involved activists in London who, last year, physically prevented a busload of immigrants from being transported to a barge off southern England. They slashed the vehicle’s tires and formed a blockade around the passenger bus for seven hours. Arrests were made on charges including obstruction of the highway, hindering law enforcement, and assault on police.

Antifa International reported, “The Defence Fund stepped in to help pay for [the] legal defence of our comrades, and so far the results have been excellent!” The first five defendants, out of 44 total to be tried, had all charges dropped minutes after their trials began.

“This comes as no surprise to us,” Antifa International gloated. “Time & time & time again. [T]hey win in the courts and in the streets!”

Two weeks later, the organization announced a “happy update” that charges were dismissed for four more activists involved in the “Stop the Bus” standoff, aided by £2,250 (approximately $3,000) budgeted for their defense. In March, Antifa International celebrated yet another win with five defendants freed of all charges, declaring “Three for Three!”

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### Civil Litigation Support and Notable Cases

Antifa International also financially supports associates facing costly civil litigation. Following investigative journalist Andy Ngo’s lawsuit against several Rose City Antifa members accused of assaulting him in Portland in 2019, one alleged attacker sought funding through the defense fund. Antifa International contributed $666 via GoFundMe to Elizabeth “Bee” Richter, saying, “We got your back, Bee!”

A jury ultimately found Richter not liable for assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. The chaotic trial experienced disruptions and intimidation reportedly linked to antifa affiliates. Due to serious concerns about juror safety, the judge sealed their identities, and the defense attorney famously declared, “I am antifa,” warning the jury she would “remember each one of their faces.”

At the trial’s conclusion, Antifa International triumphantly declared, “[A]t the end of the court proceedings, the board indeed read ANTIFA 1, ANDY 0.”

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### Involvement with the John Brown Gun Club and Texas Antifa

In 2023, Antifa International became involved in both criminal and civil cases concerning the Texas-based Elm Fork branch of the John Brown Gun Club, linked to the federally charged Texas antifa cell.

The now-defunct Elm Fork chapter, describing itself as “community defense,” acted as armed security at transgender activism events in Northern Texas, including “Transgender Storytime” and drag performances.

Three Elm Fork members were arrested on assault charges after a violent clash with Christian counterprotesters outside a drag show. Antifa International was “one of the first groups to rush money to the arrestees,” sending $4,150 via Spotfund and sharing the “good news” of a not-guilty verdict for one defendant.

When Christian plaintiffs filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Elm Fork chapter, Antifa International funded efforts to dismiss that “bulls***” case as well.

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### Defense Fund Reach and Operations

Over the past decade, Antifa International’s defense fund has distributed over $250,000 to more than 800 antifascists across 26 countries, according to a 10th anniversary post. In the most recent funding cycle, the fund intervened nine times to assist 52 affiliates in Finland, France, Germany, Britain, and the U.S., with 15 defendants escaping criminal punishment.

The fund covers attorney fees, court fines, and bail money—which constitute four-fifths of the organization’s expenses—but also pays for a variety of other costs including “emergency relocations,” repairs to “arson-damaged property,” and riot-related tactical gear.

A committee of over 1,600 antifascist organizers decides fund disbursements. When consensus cannot be reached, disputes are resolved by simple majority votes.

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### Impact of Government Crackdowns and Fundraising Challenges

Prior to the Trump administration’s crackdown on sponsors of terrorism-designated antifa activities, Antifa International raised funds through platforms like Patreon, FundRazr, and the Action Network—fundraising sites primarily supporting left-wing causes.

“As a precaution,” Antifa International shut down its donation infrastructure “to protect our donors and recipients.” This move was linked to enforcement actions following the administration’s designation efforts, hinting that the group’s fundraising base is located in the United States, given that all affected platforms are American.

The organization announced plans to relocate fundraising operations to a country “not currently governed by fascists,” seeking to reestablish its Defense Fund infrastructure.

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### Merchandise and Donor Engagement

Antifa International also offers “perks” for donors, including antifascist-themed merchandise such as T-shirts, hoodies, and flags emblazoned with its insignia.

Their online store sells provocative apparel including “KILL FASCISTS” shirts and clothing representing accredited antifa chapters like Central Oregon Anti-Fascist Action, the Atlanta Antifascists, and the Elm Fork branch of the John Brown Gun Club—a group named after a radical abolitionist who led a violent slave revolt before the American Civil War.

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### Ongoing Investigation and International Links

Authorities, including the FBI, are reportedly investigating Antifa International’s apparatus and its global network.

As the Trump administration eyed designating foreign antifa groups as terrorist entities, Antifa International maintains its ties across borders, continuing to provide comprehensive legal and logistical support to antifascist activists worldwide.

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*For further updates on Antifa International and developments in antifascist legal defense efforts, stay tuned.*
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/investigations/3862921/antifa-international-war-chest-bails-out-associates-around-the-world/