Fact check: Far left or far right, who ahs more murders in politically motivated murders

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that right-wing terrorists have committed a significantly higher number of murders compared to left-wing terrorists, with one source reporting that right-wing terrorists have committed 391 murders, accounting for 11% of the total, while left-wing terrorists have committed 65 murders, accounting for about 2% of the total ^[1]. Another source notes that excluding the 9/11 attacks, right-wing terrorists account for 63% of murders, and left-wing terrorists account for 10% ^[1]. However, it's also mentioned that Americans express roughly equal levels of concern about left-wing and right-wing extremism and violence ^[2]. A research-based comparison of political violence by left-wing, right-wing, and Islamist extremists in the United States and worldwide finds that radical acts perpetrated by individuals associated with left-wing causes are less likely to be violent ^[3]. Additionally, since 2002, right-wing ideologies have fueled more than 70% of all extremist attacks and domestic terror plots in the U.S., according to the Anti-Defamation League ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context in the original statement is the definition of "far left" and "far right", as different sources may have different criteria for categorizing individuals or groups as such ^[1]. Another missing context is the geographical scope, as some sources provide information on the United States, while others discuss global trends or specific countries like India ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints include the idea that political violence is a feature of both the left and right, and that it has become mainstream ^[6], as well as the notion that it's not easy to discern a motive in these cases, even if the target appears to be clearly linked to one or another political faction ^[7]. Furthermore, the overall fatalities remain a small number, despite the rise in politically motivated killings and violent threats in the US ^[7].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading by implying that the "far left" and "far right" are equally responsible for politically motivated murders, when in fact, the data suggests that right-wing terrorists have committed a significantly higher number of murders ^[1]. This framing may benefit those who wish to downplay the threat of right-wing extremism or create a false narrative of equivalence between left-wing and right-wing violence ^[4]. On the other hand, some sources may be biased towards emphasizing the threat of right-wing extremism, potentially overlooking or downplaying the threat posed by left-wing extremism ^[3]. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding politically motivated violence requires careful consideration of multiple sources and perspectives ^[1].