Activists are claiming Denton District Attorney Paul Johnson refused to prosecute the alleged criminal activity of a North Texas “anti-fascist” group, the Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club.
The Antifa affiliate reportedly provided unregistered, unlicensed private security for two drag shows hosted by local businesses, brandishing AR-15s and other firearms in front of demonstrators gathered to protest the presence of minors at the events.
Kelly Neidert, president of the nonprofit Protect Texas Kids, argues that this activity constitutes the performance of private security duties, which require a proper license under Texas law.
The Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club disagrees with this characterization of the event, claiming on Twitter that “[a] large group of Christian Fascists again led by Kelly Neidert planned to attack a drag brunch in Roanoke, TX. They were surprised to find armed queer antifascists blocking their way.”
Neidert conveyed her concern about the Antifa affiliate’s qualifications and tactics:
“ANTIFA security are not trained or licensed to provide private security, which leads to lots of safety concerns. They also cover their faces and attempt to hide their identities, which makes it difficult to hold them accountable.”
Neidert called out District Attorney Paul Johnson for refusing to prosecute members of Antifa for illegally providing private security, alleging that Paul is displaying political cowardice and is afraid of potential repercussions:
“Most elected officials don’t want to touch anything related to antifa because they are afraid of backlash.”
Neidert’s attorney, Joshua D. Ross, sent a letter to the Denton District Attorney’s Office backing Neidert’s claims and asserting that Johnson “wholly disregarded our concerns and our request for an official investigation into whether the proprietors of the event and the members of the security team violated Texas law related to private security.”
Ross’ letter expressed “grave concern that a comprehensive failure of local government authority and law enforcement to enforce Texas law with respect to these political events has the propensity to result in tragic political violence.”
Neidert echoed this sentiment in comments to The Dallas Express:
“I think that the goal of Antifa is to create political violence in North Texas. They actively encourage their members to harm anyone who disagrees with them. Showing up to peaceful protests while open carrying AR-15’s seems to me like they are looking to instigate.”
Despite the potential growing threats, Neidert says she will remain steadfast in her work with Protect Texas Kids:
“Protect Texas Kids is not intimidated by this group, and we won’t stop fighting to protect children from the sexually explicit content at drag shows.”
The Dallas Express reached out to the Denton District Attorney’s Office and the Elm Fork John Brown Gun Club but did not receive a response from either party by the time of publication.
I was an attendee at the roanoke event, as were my family members. I didn’t see any rifles from the Gun Club in black, until the “protestors” started shouting, pushing the wall of black, and brandishing a baseball bat wrapped with barbed wire.
Once the “protestors” used aggression and violence, then the Assault rifles were brandished.
I thought they handled themselves very well. They didn’t swear, they asked if I wanted to be walked back to my car after, and when I asked why they were there, they said they volunteered.
I think Ms. Neidert is whining for no reason.
“Neidert called out District Attorney Paul Johnson for refusing to prosecute members of Antifa for illegally providing private security, alleging that Paul is displaying political cowardice and is afraid of potential repercussions.”
Could it be that DA Johnson is acting upon the wishes of George Soros? Any campaign contributions from Mr. Soros?
Antifa is protected by the FBI and DHS. Your government hates you and wants you dead.