Fact check: What criteria does the FBI use to classify a group as left-wing extremist?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided do not offer a clear, definitive answer to the question of what criteria the FBI uses to classify a group as left-wing extremist ^[1]. According to the FBI, domestic terrorism is defined as violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences ^[1]. However, the FBI's definition of domestic terrorism does not specifically mention left-wing extremism ^[1]. Some sources provide information on trends in radicalization, recruitment, and mobilization of anarchist and left-wing violent extremism in America, but do not provide specific criteria used by the FBI to classify a group as left-wing extremist ^[2]. The lack of explicit criteria for classifying left-wing extremism is a common theme across the analyses ^{[1] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key piece of missing context is the geographical scope of the FBI's classification criteria, as some sources seem to focus on the German context ^[4] or provide comparative analyses of violent left- and right-wing extremist groups in the United States ^[5]. Additionally, the sources do not provide information on how the FBI's classification criteria may have evolved over time ^[1]. Alternative viewpoints may include considering the social, political, and environmental factors that contribute to left-wing extremism, as well as the characteristics and ideologies of left-wing extremist groups ^[5]. It is also important to consider the potential consequences of being classified as a left-wing extremist group, including the impact on civil liberties and social justice movements ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement assumes that the FBI has a clear set of criteria for classifying a group as left-wing extremist, which may not be the case ^[1]. This assumption may benefit those who seek to criticize the FBI's handling of domestic terrorism, by implying that the agency has a clear and consistent approach to classifying left-wing extremist groups ^[3]. On the other hand, the lack of clear criteria may benefit those who seek to downplay the threat of left-wing extremism, by allowing them to argue that the FBI is not taking a consistent or effective approach to addressing the issue ^[3]. Overall, the potential misinformation or bias in the original statement may stem from a lack of understanding of the complexities of domestic terrorism and the FBI's role in addressing it ^[1].