In today’s world, discussions around political extremism have become increasingly heated, with focus on both left-wing and right-wing violence. However, according to recent data, it is important to recognize the context and nuance surrounding these claims. While narratives often suggest growing threats from far-left radicals, statistical evidence presents a different picture.

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project finds that approximately 94% of pro-BLM demonstrations have been peaceful, with only 6% resulting in violence. In contrast, right-wing militias have turned violent or destructive more than twice as often, nearly 14% of the time. Reports show that far-right violence is considerably more common and more lethal than attacks from the far left. Between 1990 and 2021, there were 170 foiled mass casualty plots by right-wing extremists compared to only 29 by left-wing extremists. Further, in 2022, far-right extremists committed every single one of the 25 extremist-related murders, with white supremacists responsible for 21 of those deaths.

These findings underscore the predominant threats stemming from far-right extremism rather than left-wing movements. It’s crucial to critically assess narratives and ensure discussions are grounded in facts and data to accurately address the issue of political violence. While extremist violence of any kind must be taken seriously, understanding the statistical realities can help in forming effective, balanced responses that address the root of these complexities.