Keep Factually independent

Whether you agree or disagree with our analysis, these conversations matter for democracy. We don't take money from political groups - even a $5 donation helps us keep it that way.

Loading...Goal: 1,000 supporters
Loading...

Fact check: Are most mass murders by rightwing extrenists

Checked on September 15, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that most mass murders are indeed committed by right-wing extremists [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]. According to the sources, in 2021, 26 of 29 murders were committed by right-wing extremists [1], while in 2022, white supremacists were behind over 80% of extremism-related U.S. murders [3] [4]. Additionally, in 2023, all of the murders identified were tied to right-wing extremism, with 15 of the 17 killings connected to white supremacists as perpetrators or accomplices [2]. The reports also note that over the past decade, right-wing extremists have committed the majority of extremist-related killings [4]. Some sources provide specific examples of right-wing extremist terrorism, such as a trial of three men planning terrorist attacks on mosques and synagogues [5], and a deadly vehicle attack on a Muslim community [6]. A comprehensive analysis of right-wing extremist terrorism in the United States documents 67 domestic terror incidents from 2017 to 2022, with the majority committed by white supremacists [7].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

While the analyses provide strong evidence supporting the claim, there is a lack of discussion on the motivations and ideologies behind right-wing extremist violence [1] [2] [3]. Some sources mention white supremacist connections, but further exploration of the complexities of right-wing extremism is needed [4] [2]. Additionally, there is limited information on the role of other extremist groups, such as left-wing or Islamist extremists, in committing mass murders [5] [6]. The sources primarily focus on right-wing extremism, which may create an incomplete picture of the overall extremist landscape [1] [2] [3]. It is essential to consider the historical and social context in which right-wing extremism emerges and evolves [4] [7]. Furthermore, the sources do not provide a clear definition of "mass murders", which could impact the interpretation of the data [1].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be oversimplified, as it does not account for the complexities and nuances of extremist violence [1] [2] [3]. The sources primarily focus on right-wing extremism, which may create a biased narrative [4] [2]. Left-wing or Islamist extremist groups may also be responsible for mass murders, but their actions are not adequately represented in the analyses [5] [6]. The ADL (Anti-Defamation League) is a prominent source in the analyses, which may indicate a potential bias towards a specific perspective on extremism [2] [4] [7]. However, the ADL is a reputable organization that provides valuable research and analysis on extremism [2] [4] [7]. Ultimately, it is crucial to consider multiple sources and perspectives when assessing the complex issue of extremist violence [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7].

Want to dive deeper?
What percentage of mass shootings are committed by rightwing extremists in the US?
How do law enforcement agencies track and classify rightwing extremist groups?
What are the most common ideologies among rightwing extremist mass murderers?
Can social media platforms be held accountable for spreading rightwing extremist content?
How do rightwing extremist mass murders compare to those committed by other ideologies in the US?