SPLC reports rise in hate groups for third year in a row

unnamedThe Southern Poverty Law Center  yearly report on the state of extremism in America has found that the number of hate groups grew for a third straight year in 2017.  SPLC believes that white supremacists were energized by the Trump presidency and black nationalist groups rose in response.

SPLC has identified 954 hate groups — a 4 percent increase.You can find out where these hate groups are on their Hate Map.

According to the SPLC, the radical right started 2017 on a roll, with allies in the White House. But then came Charlottesville, and white supremacists faced a backlash. Still, they report that Trump’s rhetoric and the country’s changing demographics continue to energize them.

Here are the highlights:

  • For the first time since 2009, hate groups were found in all 50 states.
  • Neo-Nazi groups were up 22 percent, from 99 to 121.
  • Anti-Muslim groups rose for a third straight year. After tripling in 2016, they added 13 more chapters last year and now have 114.
  • Black nationalist groups expanded from 193 to 233 chapters in reaction to Trump and the rising white supremacist movement.

You can read the full report here.