Fact Check: Leftist threats and attacks have surged in recent years.

Fact Check: "Leftist threats and attacks have surged in recent years."

What We Know

The claim that "leftist threats and attacks have surged in recent years" lacks substantial evidence when examined against various credible sources. A comprehensive analysis by researchers Jasko et al. (2022) found that radical acts associated with left-wing causes are less likely to be violent compared to those from right-wing and Islamist extremists. The study utilized two unique datasets to compare politically motivated violence across different ideologies, concluding that there is no significant increase in violence attributed to left-wing groups in the United States (source-2).

Additionally, the Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community indicates that while various threats exist, the most significant risks stem from right-wing extremists, particularly white supremacists, rather than leftist groups (source-3). This assessment highlights the complexities of the threat landscape but does not support the notion of a surge in leftist violence.

Analysis

The assertion of a surge in leftist threats and attacks appears to be more reflective of political rhetoric than of empirical evidence. The study by Jasko et al. (2022) is particularly notable for its rigorous methodology and comprehensive datasets, which provide a clearer picture of political violence. Their findings suggest that left-wing violence is not only less frequent but also less severe than that perpetrated by right-wing and Islamist extremists (source-2).

The Homeland Threat Assessment 2025 also outlines evolving threats but emphasizes that the predominant concerns are associated with right-wing extremism (source-1). This aligns with the findings of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which has similarly identified white supremacists as the most significant threat in the U.S. (source-7).

While some political narratives may emphasize leftist violence, the available data does not substantiate claims of a significant increase in leftist threats or attacks. Instead, it indicates that the primary threat comes from right-wing groups.

Conclusion

Verdict: False. The claim that "leftist threats and attacks have surged in recent years" is not supported by credible evidence. Research indicates that left-wing violence is less frequent and less severe compared to right-wing violence. The most significant threats to national security are currently attributed to right-wing extremists, particularly white supremacists, rather than leftist groups.

Fact Check: Leftist threats and attacks have surged in recent years.