Right-Wing Extremists Drive Most Politically Motivated Murders

Available data and research over several decades have consistently reached the same conclusion: Far-right extremists are more open to political violence, more likely to commit it, and responsible for far more homicides than far-left extremists.

Following the murder of Charles Kirk, a U.S. conservative activist, in Orem, Utah on September 10, numerous remarks, commentaries, and accusations have emerged regarding politically motivated murders across the United States.

To understand politically motivated domestic homicides, it is essential to consider relevant facts, statistics, and research findings.

Although politically motivated murders represent a small fraction of all U.S. homicides, their symbolic impact, visibility, media coverage, and threat to democracy make them particularly significant.

These homicides involve killings where the perpetrator’s primary motivation is ideology, politics, partisan affiliation, government beliefs, or bias. Motivations can include white supremacy, anti-immigrant sentiment, religious extremism, or political extremism.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 22,830 homicides in the United States in 2023. Of these, politically motivated murders were rare, with approximately 20 extremist-related homicides — about one-tenth of one percent of total murders.

Between January 1, 2020, and September 10, 2025, 79 politically motivated murders were reported, representing roughly 0.07 percent of all homicides, or 7 out of 10,000.

Right-wing extremism — including white supremacist, anti-immigrant, and anti-government ideologies — accounts for the majority of politically motivated domestic homicides. Far-left extremism, such as environmental or anti-police violence, occurs less frequently.

A study by the U.S. National Institute of Justice found that since 1990, far-right extremists killed over six times as many people (520) as far-left extremists (78). In the last five years, around 70% of politically motivated domestic homicides were linked to right-wing ideology, compared to 30% for left-wing.

There has also been a noticeable increase in plots or attacks targeting government officials, political candidates, and party staff. The number of partisan-motivated domestic attacks in the past five years is nearly triple that of the previous 25 years.

The rising threats underscore the importance of countering disinformation, conspiracy theories, and violent rhetoric that motivate attackers. During the 2024 election cycle, nearly half of U.S. states reported threats against election workers, including social media death threats, intimidation, and doxxing.

Almost 75% of the U.S. public considers politically motivated violence a major problem. Around 30% agreed in October 2025 that violence might be necessary to “get the country back on track,” up from 19% in April 2024.

The public must reject political violence and uphold peaceful democratic participation. Elected officials and political leaders should emphasise resolving differences through debate and elections rather than intimidation or force.

Politically motivated murders remain rare compared to total homicides but are disproportionately driven by right-wing extremist ideologies. Their symbolic impact and threat to lives and democracy make them especially significant. Countering these crimes should protect constitutional rights while preventing radicalization and reducing societal polarization.

Joseph Chamie is a consulting demographer, former director of the United Nations Population Division, and author on population issues.