NEW DELHI: The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reported a 5% decline in the number of hate and extremist groups in the U.S. in 2024, totaling 1,371. Despite the decrease, their influence has grown, with ideologies like racism and claims of Christian persecution becoming more normalized in politics, education, and society.
Breakdown of Hate Groups
In 2024, there were 533 active hate groups, including those targeting LGBTQ+, immigrants, Jews, and Muslims. This number has been declining since a peak of 1,021 in 2018. The SPLC attributes the reduced need for organized groups to their supporters’ infiltration into mainstream systems.
Anti-Government Groups on the Rise
The report identified 838 anti-government groups, an increase from recent years. These groups, including militias and self-proclaimed sovereign citizens, view the federal government as tyrannical and monitor issues like racism and xenophobia.
Emergence of Male Supremacist Groups
The SPLC documented seven new male supremacist groups, bringing the total to 16. These groups promote misogyny and rigid gender roles, gaining influence during a historic election year when a Black woman was nominated for president by a major party.
Political and Social Impact
Far-right groups and politicians are increasingly using inflammatory rhetoric to vilify opponents. The report highlights efforts to undermine democracy through misinformation, conspiracy theories, and threats to election workers, with Christian supremacy themes fueling authoritarian movements.
SPLC’s Role and Criticism
The SPLC, a liberal-leaning nonprofit based in Montgomery, Alabama, monitors hate groups, files justice-related lawsuits, and offers educational programs. It faces criticism from conservatives for alleged bias and has been sued over its hate group designations.
Case Study: Hate Crime Incident
In April 2025, 71-year-old Japanese American professor Aki Mehara was seriously injured in a hit-and-run in Montebello, California, which he described as a hate crime after hearing racial slurs. The incident, widely shared on social media, has raised nearly $80,000 via GoFundMe, with demands for hate crime charges. The Montebello Police Department is investigating.
