Summary
A study by the Center for Strategic & International Studies found that in 2025, attacks by left-wing extremists in the U.S. were more frequent than those by far-right groups for the first time in over 30 years. Despite this increase, overall political violence remains uncommon and is mostly opposed by Americans. The research analyzed 750 domestic attacks since 1994, highlighting a drop in far-right violence but a rise in left-wing incidents.
Key Facts
- Left-wing extremist attacks have exceeded far-right attacks in 2025 for the first time in more than three decades, according to a CSIS study.
- The study covered 750 domestic attacks and plots in the U.S. from 1994 to mid-2025.
- Since 2016, there have been 41 left-wing attacks compared to 152 by far-right extremists.
- Left-wing attacks have resulted in 13 deaths over the past 10 years.
- More recently, five left-wing plots or attacks occurred in 2025, compared to one right-wing attack.
- Former President Trump labeled the antifa movement as a "domestic terror organization" following a high-profile attack in 2025.
- Trump and allies have been criticized for downplaying right-wing violence, like the Jan. 6 Capitol incident.
- CSIS's lead author cautioned against using the findings to unjustly target legitimate groups.
