Paxton targets Houston anti-fascist group
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A person in anti-fascist dress at a protest outside Houston City Hall in January. Photo: Reginald Mathalone/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Attorney General Ken Paxton says a self-identified Houston anti-fascist group that attempts to expose local people it considers neo-Nazi might be flouting Texas' anti-doxing laws.
Why it matters: Paxton, who has used the power of his office to target political enemies in the past, is the latest Republican elected official to push the Trump administration's fight against antifa.
Driving the news: Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate, said Friday the Screwston Anti-Fascist Committee "illegally doxed Texans and encouraged violent terrorism against fellow citizens."
- His office is demanding to look at the group's records through a formal "request for examination," a tool through which the attorney general can seek records from businesses and nonprofits to determine whether an organization "has been or is engaged in" illegal activities.
The other side: Screwston representatives did not respond to requests for comment on Paxton's allegations.
Zoom in: Screwston maintains a blog that labels certain people in the Houston area as "Neo-Nazis" and sells merchandise critical of police and the country's immigration and border policies.
- One of the people Screwston highlighted was a participant in a 2022 protest against a Houston drag brunch who at the time identified himself as a Nazi.
What they're saying: "These deranged traitors will face the full force of law," Paxton said in a statement. "No stone will be left unturned, and no tool will be left unused."
- Paxton's office did not respond to questions.
Between the lines: Paxton has used requests for examination to investigate an El Paso Catholic immigrant charity, a nonprofit focused on increasing voter turnout, and Spirit AeroSystems Inc., a jet manufacturer.
- Spirit sued over the request, and a federal judge ruled in 2024 Paxton had no power to arbitrarily send requests to organizations.
- But last year, the Texas Supreme Court sided with Paxton, who argued state law grants him permission to seek records of organizations he believes are breaking the law.
Yes, but: A judge in January ruled Paxton used the tool in bad faith at least once before when targeting a nonprofit that aims to increase civic participation among Latinos.
What's next: Screwston leaders can face fines and jail time if they don't comply with Paxton's request.