How many mass shootings have been committed by the far left
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1. Summary of the results
The analyses provided do not offer a clear, definitive number of mass shootings committed by the far left [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]. However, left-wing terrorists have been responsible for a relatively small percentage of deaths in politically motivated terrorist attacks in the United States since 1975, with approximately 2 percent of the total number of people murdered in such attacks [2]. In contrast, right-wing terrorists account for 11 percent of the total, and Islamist ideology accounts for 87 percent [2]. Additionally, right-wing extremist violence has been more frequent and deadly than left-wing violence, with right-wing attacks accounting for approximately 75% to 80% of U.S. domestic terrorism deaths since 2001 [5]. Antifa, a decentralised, leftist movement, has been involved in violent clashes with right-wing groups, but there is no clear evidence to suggest that Antifa is responsible for a significant number of mass shootings [6].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
A key point missing from the original statement is the historical context of political violence in the United States, which has affected both Democrats and Republicans [3]. Furthermore, the definition of "far left" and "mass shootings" is not clearly defined, which could lead to varying interpretations of the data [1] [4]. Alternative viewpoints suggest that radical acts perpetrated by individuals associated with left-wing causes are less likely to be violent [4], and that right-wing extremist violence is more frequent and deadly than left-wing violence [5]. The role of rhetoric and hateful speech in contributing to political violence is also an important consideration [8].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement may be misleading or biased as it implies that the far left is responsible for a significant number of mass shootings, without providing clear evidence or context [1] [7]. President Trump and his supporters may benefit from this framing, as it allows them to shift the focus away from right-wing extremist violence and onto the perceived threat of the far left [1] [7]. On the other hand, left-wing groups and individuals may be unfairly stigmatized by this narrative, which could lead to further polarization and division [6] [8]. Ultimately, a more nuanced and balanced understanding of political violence is necessary, one that takes into account the complexities of the issue and the varying perspectives involved [2] [5].