Fact Check: Most terror attacks in America are committed by Muslims

Claim Analysis: "Most terror attacks in America are committed by Muslims"

1. Introduction

The claim that "most terror attacks in America are committed by Muslims" has been a topic of significant debate and discussion, particularly in the context of national security and immigration policy. This assertion often surfaces in discussions about terrorism, particularly in the wake of high-profile attacks. However, the validity of this claim requires careful examination of data and context surrounding terrorism in the United States.

2. What We Know

Data on Terrorism in the U.S.

1. Terrorism Trends: According to a report from the University of Maryland's National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), the frequency and lethality of right-wing terrorism in the U.S. have increased significantly since the 1990s, with a notable rise in attacks attributed to domestic extremist groups, including white supremacists and anti-government militias 1.

2. Comprehensive Data: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has compiled extensive data on terrorist attacks in the U.S. from 1970 to 2013, which includes information on the perpetrators, tactics, and outcomes of these attacks 23. This dataset is crucial for understanding the demographics of those who commit terrorist acts.

3. Religious Targeting: A report covering attacks against religious targets from 1970 to 2017 indicates that while there have been lethal attacks involving Muslim perpetrators, the overall number of attacks is not predominantly from this group 49.

4. Media Coverage Disparities: Research indicates that terrorist attacks carried out by Muslims receive significantly more media coverage compared to those committed by other groups, which may skew public perception of the prevalence of Muslim involvement in terrorism 58.

Statistical Overview

• The START dataset indicates that the majority of terrorist attacks in the U.S. are committed by non-Muslim perpetrators, particularly those affiliated with right-wing ideologies 16.
• The DHS reports also highlight that while Muslim extremists have committed some high-profile attacks, they represent a smaller percentage of the total number of terrorist incidents 36.

3. Analysis

Evaluating the Evidence

• Source Reliability: The reports from START and DHS are based on systematic data collection and analysis, making them reliable sources for understanding the landscape of terrorism in the U.S. However, the interpretation of this data can vary, and it is essential to consider the context in which the information is presented.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those focusing on media coverage, may have inherent biases, as they are often produced in academic or advocacy contexts that aim to highlight disparities in reporting 58. This could influence how data is interpreted and presented.

• Methodological Concerns: While the datasets provide valuable insights, they cover a specific time frame (1970-2013) and may not reflect more recent trends, particularly in light of the evolving nature of terrorism. Additional data from 2014 to the present would be beneficial to assess current patterns accurately.

• Public Perception vs. Reality: The significant media coverage of attacks by Muslim individuals may lead to a perception that these attacks are more common than they are statistically. This discrepancy highlights the importance of distinguishing between public perception and empirical data.

Supporting and Contradicting Evidence

• Supporting Evidence: The assertion that Muslim individuals commit a notable number of attacks is supported by high-profile incidents such as 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing. These events have left a lasting impact on public consciousness and policy discussions.

• Contradicting Evidence: Conversely, data from the START and DHS indicates that the majority of terrorist incidents are linked to non-Muslim extremists, particularly those motivated by right-wing ideologies 16. This challenges the narrative that Muslims are the predominant perpetrators of terrorism in the U.S.

4. Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "most terror attacks in America are committed by Muslims" is not supported by the available evidence. Data from the University of Maryland's START and the Department of Homeland Security indicates that the majority of terrorist attacks in the U.S. are perpetrated by non-Muslim individuals, particularly those associated with right-wing extremist ideologies. While there have been high-profile attacks involving Muslim perpetrators, these represent a smaller percentage of the overall incidents.

It is important to note that public perception may be influenced by the disproportionate media coverage of attacks committed by Muslims, which can create a misleading narrative regarding the prevalence of Muslim involvement in terrorism. Additionally, the datasets analyzed primarily cover incidents up to 2013, and while they provide a solid foundation for understanding trends, they may not capture more recent developments in terrorism.

Readers should approach claims about terrorism with a critical mindset, recognizing the complexities and nuances involved. It is essential to evaluate information based on empirical evidence and to remain aware of the potential for bias in both data interpretation and media reporting.

5. Sources

1. Proportion of terrorist attacks by religious and right-wing extremists rise in United States - UMD. Retrieved from https://www.start.umd.edu/news/proportion-terrorist-attacks-religious-and-right-wing-extremists-rise-united-states
2. Terrorist Attacks in the U.S. Between 1970 and 2013: Data from the DHS. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OPSR_TP_TEVUS_Terrorist-Attacks-US_1970-2013_Overview-508.pdf
3. Profiles of Perpetrators of Terrorism in the United States, 1970-2013. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OPSR_TP_TEVUS_Profiles-of-Perpetrators-of-Terrorism-US-1970-2013-Report_2014Dec-508.pdf
4. Terrorist Attacks against Religious Targets in the United States, 1970-2017 - UMD. Retrieved from https://www.start.umd.edu/pubs/START_ReligiousTargets_FactSheet_Oct2018.pdf
5. Researcher: Disparities Exist in News Coverage of Terror Attacks. Retrieved from https://news.ua.edu/2019/02/researcher-disparities-exist-in-news-coverage-of-terror-attacks/
6. Profiles of Perpetrators of Terrorism in the United States, December 2014. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/943_OPSR_TP_TEVUS_Profiles-Perpetrators-Terrorism-US-1970-2013-Overview_Dec2014-508_0.pdf
7. Terrorism definitions - FBI. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism
8. Terror Attacks By Muslims Get 357 Percent More Media Coverage. Retrieved from https://news.gsu.edu/2019/02/19/terror-attacks-by-muslims-get-disproportionate-news-coverage/
9. Terrorist Attacks against Religious Targets in the United States, 1970. Retrieved from https://www.start.umd.edu/publication/terrorist-attacks-against-religious-targets-united-states-1970-2017
10. Annex of Statistical Information. Retrieved from https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/239628.pdf