ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Rep. Keith Ellison is drawing criticism for calling attention to a book that condones violence during clashes with white supremacists.
The Democratic congressman posted a photo on Twitter Wednesday of himself posing with the book “Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook.” The book calls violence during “a small though vital sliver of anti-fascist activity.”
READ MORE: Double The Doses Given At Minneapolis Convention Center To Make Up For Severe Weather DelayEllison’s post said the book should “strike fear into the heart” of President Donald Trump. It drew pushback from Republicans who have criticized the movement’s at-times violent disruptions of speaking engagements and white supremacist rallies.
At @MoonPalaceBooks and I just found the book that strike fear in the heart of @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/r81nYoeqpL
READ MORE: Suspect Who Fatally Shot K-9 Officer Dies, Duluth Standoff Ends— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) January 3, 2018
Spokesman Karthik Ganapathy says Ellison has not read the book but has espoused nonviolence throughout his career.
While antifa protesters have sometimes clashed with white supremacists, 32-year-old Heather Heyer was fatally struck by a driver as she protested a white nationalist rally this summer. The man, an alleged neo-Nazi, has been charged with murder.
MORE NEWS: Police: 15-Year-Old Carjacking Suspect Arrested In St. Paul(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)