Eps 8: An Analysis of the Influence of Racism in Domestic Extremism on the United States
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Host
Ronald Lee
Podcast Content
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Right-wing terrorism has soared in the United States with domestic terrorism incidents reported sixfold since the 9/11 attacks. Studies have shown that the majority of domestic terrorism cases involve violent extremists, often motivated by white supremacy, posing the greatest threat to the United States. According to Christopher Wray, FBI Director, "We are seeing a more diverse range of threats from domestic terrorists than we have in many years," and this includes a dramatic increase in violence from far right extremists such as white supremacists and government extremists. In an analysis by The Washington Post, hate crimes and other right-wing extremism had strategic implications for governments around the world. In addition to this threat being posed by international terrorist groups and nation states, The Washington Post noted that far-right extremist groups such as white supremacists were increasingly becoming violent actors who posed a greater risk of committing acts of terror than even Al Qaeda or ISIS due to their ability to move quickly through different networks and countries.
This analysis of domestic terrorism attacks has been echoed by other sources such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies which has shown that since the 1990s, the majority of terrorist incidents in the US have been constituted by right wing attacks. This was further evidenced by a 2020 study which showed that there had been at least one domestic terrorist attack in all 50 states since 2010, with more than 20% of those attacks having occurred within just three years. CSIS data shows that this trend is not a new phenomenon but rather, has grown steadily in recent years and decades. Targets of domestic terrorism have included government officials, politicians and civilians who are seen as opposed to their extremist ideologies. While many of these attacks have come from white supremacist groups, jihadist groups have also been seen to carry out numerous attacks in recent years.
It is also important to remember that racism is not the only factor driving domestic extremism in the United States. In fact, FBI data shows that other types of domestic extremists such as anarchist, anti-government, or environmental activists have been involved in terrorist plots as well. White supremacist prison gangs have been a source of concern for law enforcement in recent decades due to their involvement in extremist activities. These gangs tend to share a common ideology and often engage in criminal activity such as drug trafficking and weapons smuggling. According to FBI data, white supremacist prison gangs are responsible for numerous terrorist attacks and plots nationwide over the last two decades. In addition to white supremacist prison gangs, lone offender terrorists and extremist militia members have been responsible for numerous attacks plots over the last two decades. Right wing extremists have also been active participants in numerous domestic terrorist attacks throughout the country over this same period. The laws that govern extremist groups vary from state to state but law enforcement agencies are taking steps to combat these organizations by enforcing existing laws and monitoring those who associate with them or support their ideologies. The FBI has also taken steps to identify those individuals who pose a potential threat of violence due to their extreme views or affiliations with white supremacist groups or other extremist organizations.
In 2017, the FBI created a Terrorism Database which includes information on at least three planned terrorist attacks in the United States as well as detailed information about terrorism threats from foreign countries. The database also notes that people affiliated with white supremacist groups are particularly likely to be involved in planned violence and terrorism. The global terrorism threat, including domestic terrorist movements, has led to an increase in lethal violence. When looking at FBI statistics, it is clear that terrorists and violent criminals are committing far right violence more often than typical terrorists. This has resulted in stricter laws being implemented by the government and an increased presence of law enforcement agents investigating hate crimes and terrorist attacks. As a result, the number of terrorist threats has decreased significantly over recent years. The FBI's Terrorism Database is an important tool for law enforcement agencies to monitor potential threats and protect citizens from potential acts of violence or terrorism committed by domestic extremists or foreign terrorists. With this information, law enforcement agents can better understand the motivations behind certain individuals or groups who may be planning acts of terror or political violence, including murders or other criminal activities meant to spread fear among citizens.
Furthermore, the need to address rising violence and combat emerging threats of domestic terrorism has been highlighted during recent congressional hearings. Witnesses told lawmakers and counterterrorism specialists that the US needs more data on online threats and domestic extremism in order to bolster information sharing between law enforcement, national security agencies, and other government bodies. In addition, new laws may need to be considered in order to effectively enforce these laws and ensure the safety of citizens across the nation.
The FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies have been instructed to report hate crimes data to ensure a comprehensive view of the threat. Law enforcement training should be improved to better address domestic extremism, radicalization, and mobilization of extremists. It is also important to confront hate by having a bipartisan commitment from government leaders in order to effectively address this threat. Discussions surrounding domestic terrorism must include an analysis of the influence of racism in motivating extremists. In particular, rightwing extremist groups are increasingly engaging in violence motivated by white supremacist ideology and other forms of racism. This makes it imperative for society to advance a rights-centered approach when it comes to confronting domestic extremism and the resulting violent acts that may result from it. A recent report highlighted the growing threat posed by such groups, as well as their ability to manipulate popular discussions through their rhetoric and actions. The government must take action in order to ensure that laws are properly enforced, with strict punishments for those who commit crimes related to terrorism or hate crimes. Government officials must work together with law enforcement agencies such as the FBI in order to ensure that all citizens are protected from domestic extremism and its influence on society. Improving law enforcement training and increasing awareness about this issue is essential for confronting this growing threat before it becomes even more dangerous than it already is.
Racism and domestic extremism have been pervasive in the United States, and the Great Replacement Conspiracy Theory has been used to examine white supremacist terrorism. This theory underpins much of the terrorism drivers, and my testimony draws an eye toward prevention of future attacks. In recent months, black Americans have experienced devastating attacks including the last month Buffalo incident, as well as organizational constructs motivated by white supremacist ideology. These incidents demonstrate how racism and domestic extremism are intertwined and drive violence in the United States.