The “anti-fascist” Bernie Sanders Campaign worker who was caught on tape advocating for “MAGA people” to be “reeducated” in gulags, is running for a spot on the Michigan Democrat Party State Central Committee, which is the governing body that oversees the party’s direction in the state.
Far-left activist Kyle Jurek shared his “anarcho-Communist” beliefs to an undercover journalist from Project Veritas in in January of last year, including his alarming contention that the United States can learn a lot to from the Gulag, the brutal forced labor-camp system in the Soviet Union under Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin.
Jurek told Project Veritas that gulags were superior to the United States penal system, arguing that a gulag system was necessary in the U.S. to train Trump supporters “how to not be a f**king nazi.”
“The only thing fascists understand is violence. So, the only way you can confront them is with violence,” Jurak said in the undercover video.
The self-avowed anarcho-communist seemed to suggest that those who resist reeducation should be killed outright. “If people are going to fight back against the revolution,” they need to be “eliminated,” he said.
Jurek was arrested on January 7 in Saylor Township, Iowa for operating while intoxicated (second offense), possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to provide proof of financial liability, and violation of probation.
UPDATE: @BernieSanders Campaign Organizer Kyle Jurek was just released on bail earlier this week after his arrest on 01/07/2020.
Jurek is still on the Sanders campaign. #Expose2020 pic.twitter.com/mJfQ1k5zwg
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) January 16, 2020
The activist, just over a year ago, seemed to have foreknowledge of the violent unrest that would plague cities throughout the nation for most of 2020. At the time, Jurek said that the pretext for the anarchy would be a Sanders defeat at the DNC Convention.
“If Bernie doesn’t get the nomination, or if it goes to a second round at the DNC Convention, f*cking Milwaukee will burn,” he said, adding that it would only start with Milwaukee, where the convention is being held. “When the police push back on that, other cities will f*cking [makes explosion sound].”
At least 2,000 police officers were injured during the protests and riots that followed the death of George Floyd while in police custody in May. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Organization, there were a total of 8,700 protests, 574 of which devolved into violent riots that saw mass looting and property destruction.
“We’re going to make 1978 [he means 1968] look like a f*cking girl scout f*cking cookout,” Jurek told Project Veritas in January of 2020.
Jurek now blames alcohol for his disturbingly violent rhetoric.
“Lots of things can be said after four shots of Jameson that we wouldn’t normally say,” Jurek told the Michigan Information and Research Service (MIRS).
He insisted that he doesn’t actually advocate for violence and is instead focusing on “helping the solidarity movement organize statewide,” according to the outlet. Jurek claimed to have “a lot of respect” among fellow leftists in Michigan.
“I feel like in Michigan and around the country, I have a lot of respect in progressive circles. What happened with Project Veritas was an unfortunate situation. We’re all familiar with it . . . I’m still fighting for progressive policies and values,” he told MIRS News.
Liano Sharon, a recently elected progressive member of the Democratic National Committee, said Jurek was tapped as part of the recruitment effort to increase progressive voices on the State Central Committee.
“I understand and agree with the criticism, but in my opinion, he has served his time, Sharon told MIRS. “He’s been punished. How long are we to shun him for it? At some point, people need to be allowed to move on from their mistakes. I think it’s been long enough. Others may have a different opinion, and I respect that,” Sharon continued.
“In any case, he’s not running for the State Central Committee. He’s running in the MISolidarity primary for the SCC. The people of his district will decide if he’s served long enough,” he said.
Not all progressives are comfortable with having the outspoken revolutionary communist in a position of political power in the state, however.
“As a progressive who firmly believes our platform and causes are necessary for the safety and dignity of all, I cannot stand by while excuses are made for the incitement of violence, misogyny, and outright calls to commit murder that we have all witnessed from Kyle Jurek,” said the former chair of the Michigan Progressive Caucus, Bridget Huff.
“This isn’t personal. I say the same and fight for accountability equally, be it Republicans, Democrats or Qanon cultists calling to murder the free press and any who resist their ‘revolution.”
Current MDP member Katelyn Kivel was reportedly so troubled by Jurek’s violent rhetoric aimed at the media, she brought it to the attention of MDP leadership.
Jurek was caught on tape saying he’d walk into “MSNBC studios, drag those motherf–kers out by their hair and light them on fire in the streets.”
“I see a very, very compelling argument that the things this individual has said does not comport with the MDP Code of Conduct,” Kivel said, adding that if Jurek were serious about burning journalists, she would “not be interested in participating in this program.”
The MDP’s congressional delegations will elect members to the MDP’s Central Committee on Feb. 20.