Fact check: Are left or right leaning groups a greater threat of violence in the us in the last 10 years?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that both left and right-leaning groups pose a threat of violence in the US ^[1]. However, some sources indicate that right-leaning groups are a greater threat of violence, citing data that shows right-wing attacks and plots accounted for the majority of all terrorist incidents in the US since 1994 ^[2]. Additionally, right-wing perpetrators were responsible for more than half of all annual fatalities in 14 of the 21 years during which fatal attacks occurred ^[2]. The data also shows that right-leaning extremists have disproportionately killed more people in the last 10 years, with 83% of deaths attributed to right-wing extremists from 2015-2024 ^[3]. Some sources highlight the growing influence of White Christian Nationalism, which is fueling exclusionary policies and violence under the guise of 'defending Christian civilization' ^[4].

• Key findings include:
• Increased support for political violence from both sides of the political spectrum ^[1]
• Right-wing attacks and plots accounted for the majority of all terrorist incidents in the US since 1994 ^[2]
• Right-wing perpetrators were responsible for more than half of all annual fatalities in 14 of the 21 years during which fatal attacks occurred ^[2]
• Right-leaning extremists have disproportionately killed more people in the last 10 years ^[3]
• The growing influence of White Christian Nationalism is fueling exclusionary policies and violence ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources note that Americans are more likely to express anti-democratic views, including support for partisan political violence, when they believe the other party also holds those views ^[5]. This suggests that perceptions of the opposing party's views can contribute to the escalation of violence. Additionally, most Americans dramatically overestimate the share of the opposing party that holds pro-violence beliefs, and correcting this misperception can decrease support for partisan violence ^[5]. The sources also highlight the importance of addressing the root causes of political violence, including political polarization and the demonization of political rivals ^[1]. Alternative viewpoints include:

• The idea that both left and right-leaning groups pose a threat of violence ^[1]
• The notion that perceptions of the opposing party's views can contribute to the escalation of violence ^[5]
• The importance of addressing the root causes of political violence, including political polarization and the demonization of political rivals ^[1]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks whether left or right-leaning groups are a greater threat of violence in the US, which may imply a binary and simplistic view of the issue ^[1]. Some sources suggest that the threat of violence is more complex and multifaceted, involving factors such as political polarization, the demonization of political rivals, and the growing influence of White Christian Nationalism ^[4]. The statement may also overlook the role of perceptions and misperceptions in contributing to the escalation of violence ^[5]. Potential biases in the original statement include:

• A binary view of the issue, which may oversimplify the complex factors contributing to political violence ^[1]
• A lack of consideration for the role of perceptions and misperceptions in contributing to the escalation of violence ^[5]
• A failure to address the root causes of political violence, including political polarization and the demonization of political rivals ^[1]