Fact check: What is the FBI's definition of domestic terrorism and how does it apply to left and right wing groups?

1. Summary of the results

The FBI defines domestic terrorism as violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature, as stated in multiple sources ^[1]. This definition applies to both left and right wing groups ^[1]. The number of domestic terrorism incidents has been on the rise, with 231 incidents between 2010 and 2021, according to the Department of Homeland Security ^[2]. The FBI and DHS track terrorism-related incidents, and the number of FBI domestic terrorism investigations has more than doubled since 2020 ^[2]. The National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism focuses on understanding and sharing information regarding the full range of domestic terrorism threats, preventing domestic terrorists from recruiting and mobilizing Americans to violence, deterring and disrupting domestic terrorist activity, and addressing the long-term issues that contribute to domestic terrorism ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect missing from the original statement is the distinction between international and domestic terrorism, which is crucial in understanding the scope of the FBI's definition ^[4]. Additionally, the original statement does not account for the various types of domestic terrorism incidents, such as racially- or ethnically-motivated attacks, which are the most common and lethal type of domestic terrorism incident ^[2]. The designation of 'antifa' as a terrorist organization by President Donald Trump may also impact how the FBI investigates and classifies domestic terrorism incidents related to left-wing groups ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints include the emphasis on violent acts rather than specific ideologies in the National Strategy for Countering Domestic Terrorism ^[3], and the need for a whole-of-society approach to countering domestic terrorism ^[3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be lacking in context regarding the complexities of domestic terrorism and the various factors that contribute to it ^{[2] [6]}. The statement may also be biased towards a specific ideology, as it does not account for the fact that domestic terrorism can stem from a wide range of ideological influences, including political, religious, social, racial, or environmental factors ^[1]. The sources cited in the analyses, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, may benefit from a more nuanced understanding of domestic terrorism, as they are responsible for tracking and investigating terrorism-related incidents ^[2]. The designation of 'antifa' as a terrorist organization by President Donald Trump may also benefit certain political interests, as it may impact how the FBI investigates and classifies domestic terrorism incidents related to left-wing groups ^[5].