Fact check: How many right-wing extremist-related homicides occurred in the USA in 2022 and 2023?

1. Summary of the results

The available data suggests that in 2022, domestic extremists killed at least 27 people in the U.S., with most of the murders committed by right-wing extremists, and the majority of those committed by white supremacists ^[1]. Furthermore, in 2023, domestic extremists killed at least 17 people in the U.S., with all the extremist-related murders committed by right-wing extremists, and 15 of the 17 killings involving perpetrators or accomplices with white supremacist connections ^[1]. Additionally, another source reports that in 2022, white supremacists were behind over 80% of extremism-related U.S. murders, with 21 of the 25 murders linked to white supremacists, according to the ADL report ^[2]. Other sources provide historical context and statistics on right-wing extremist terrorism from 2017-2022, documenting 67 domestic terror incidents, but do not specifically provide the number of homicides for 2022 and 2023 ^[3]. Key points to note are the significant role of white supremacists in extremist-related murders and the surge in political violence.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources do not provide specific numbers of right-wing extremist-related homicides in 2022 and 2023, but mention a surge in political violence and provide historical context and statistics on right-wing extremist terrorism from 2017-2022 ^[4]. Another source discusses the surge in politically motivated violence in the United States, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, but does not provide specific numbers of right-wing extremist-related homicides in 2022 and 2023 ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints are necessary to understand the complexity of the issue, including the role of other extremist groups and the impact of political polarization on violence. It is also important to consider the sources' potential biases and limitations, such as the focus on white supremacist violence, which might overlook other forms of extremism ^{[1] [2]}. A more comprehensive understanding of the issue requires considering multiple sources and perspectives.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks for the number of right-wing extremist-related homicides in 2022 and 2023, which might imply that all extremist-related violence is committed by right-wing extremists ^{[1] [2]}. However, some sources suggest that while right-wing extremists are responsible for the majority of extremist-related murders, other forms of extremism might also be present ^[3]. The Anti-Defamation League and other organizations that track extremist violence might benefit from this framing, as it highlights the threat posed by right-wing extremism. On the other hand, other groups, such as those affected by left-wing or Islamist extremism, might be overlooked or marginalized by this focus on right-wing extremism ^{[4] [5]}. It is essential to consider the potential biases and limitations of the sources and to present a nuanced and balanced understanding of the issue.