Columbia News

Senator Eric Schmitt posted a series of tweets on October 11, 2025, criticizing the use of data from an Antifa activist in a chart published by The Economist and calling for increased scrutiny of left-wing political violence.

In his first tweet, Senator Schmitt stated, "But it gets even better: The dataset used as the 'source' for the Economist's chart comes from a self-professed Antifa activist—not just a fellow traveler who endorses leftist violence, but an active street militant who has been arrested, wearing black bloc, at Antifa riots." This message was posted on October 11, 2025.

He followed up with specific recommendations for government action. On the same day, he tweeted, "That’s why my letter calls on DOJ to:

• Conduct a serious study of left-wing political violence.

• Re-assess prior data in domestic terrorism database.

• Map and expose the organizational structure of left-wing domestic terror cells—and formulate a plan for dismantling them."

In another post from October 11, 2025, Senator Schmitt expanded on his concerns about violent acts attributed to various groups. He wrote, "But the truth is obvious to anyone living in the real world.

From Antifa terrorism, to BLM riots, to violent anti-ICE sabotage, to outright assassinations, left-wing violence is an epidemic—and it has to be stopped.

Real, truthful data can help us target and root it out."

Senator Eric Schmitt represents Missouri in the U.S. Senate and has previously served as Missouri's Attorney General. His recent statements reflect ongoing debates over how political violence is categorized and addressed by federal agencies. Calls for studies into domestic extremism have increased in recent years amid broader national discussions about public safety and civil unrest.