Shortly after police captured the alleged shooter in El Paso, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick went on national television and called out a left-wing group known for often violent protests against racism and warned them to stay out of Texas even though claims they are organizing a rally have been debunked.

On Fox News, Patrick was asked about what he knew about the alleged gunman who had just been captured a short time earlier.

Patrick said he couldn’t give much detail but then shifted to talking about Antifa, a group that has been criticized for stoking violent clashes against others they have identified as fascist or racist.

“I just saw the last couple of days where Antifa is posting they want to come to El Paso for a 10-day siege,” Patrick said. “Clear message Antifa: Stay out of El Paso. Stay out of Texas, basically.”

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Patrick added that the state doesn’t need the group coming into Texas.

“I would say to Antifa: Scratch Texas off your map and don’t come in,” Patrick said. “It is not the time or place for them to come in anytime.”

TX Lt. Gov Dan Patrick warns Antifa, who was planning to come to El Paso, to stay out of TX after the Walmart tragedy



“Stay out of El Paso. Stay out of TX … scratch TX off your map and don’t come in … it is not the time and place for them to come at any time… stay out of TX” pic.twitter.com/JdNxCAUPqL — Ryan Saavedra (@RealSaavedra) August 3, 2019

Patrick was referencing an article in conservative media such as the Daily Caller, but that article has since been corrected to make clear they did not have evidence that Antifa was leading a “siege” in El Paso.

Activists groups are planning what they call a “Border Resistance Convergence” in El Paso, but the groups have denied that they are connected with Antifa. A group called the Hecate Society lists itself as a host of the rally on a Facebook post. That group has denied it is affiliated with Antifa.

The Anti-Defamation League has defined Antifa as a loose collection of groups, networks and individuals who believe in active, aggressive opposition to far right-wing movements.

An adviser to Patrick cited an article online by Redstate.com as backup for his claims. That article relied on the same sources that The Daily Caller has since corrected.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com