Even where I live, Antifa is a violent group who takes pride that their innate threat of violence causes protests/groups they don't agree with to relocate/not show up, and have to send out misinformation for Antifa stalkers to find in order prevent Antifa from showing up to their gatherings. They enjoy the fear they cause and they consider things like this "victory". They don't have any intention of engaging in peaceful/civil discourse, they either shout over whoever they disagree with or attack them. This isn't unique to my local group, they're inspired by and have connections to other groups in Canada/The United States who undoubtedly are inspired by and have connections with other groups. This isn't to suggest they necessarily coordinate with these other groups, but it does suggest that it's not just some fringe minority engaging in and encouraging violence.
While I support people's free speech and right to peaceful assembly, even if I don't agree with their message...Antifa has shown time and again that their assemblies seldom have peaceful intention, and if they aren't outright violent, they are at the very least extremely confrontational (which most likely will lead to violence anyways, unless whatever group/individual they're confronting backs down).
Their actions paint them as Fascists, and define them as terrorists. So yes, I do think they need to be dealt with. I don't think they need to be gathered up and shot in firing squads, but I think they need more than a slap on the wrist and a MAYBE few hours in a jail cell. If they're going to insist on engaging in violence, then they need to be arrested, charged, and prosecuted as real, violent criminals, not just some overzealous college kids.
For the most part, they're kids (or extremely idiotic adults) with something to lose (hence always attempting to conceal their identities), and I doubt the vast majority of them, even the ones engaging in violence are committed enough to their "movement" to be willing to give up/ruin their futures over this. Just have to make a few examples and show them that it's a real possibility.
Obviously I'm not saying every Antifa member should be rounded up and prosecuted. But "counter-protesters" engaging in violence need to be stopped, and they need a real deterrent against continuing their behavior.