Is right-wing terrorism in America raising alarm again?

In recent years, the United States has once again faced a rising threat from far-right extremist violence. From election-related plots to deadly mass shootings, right-wing terrorism has become a serious concern. Despite growing awareness, many questions remain. How frequent are these attacks? Who is responsible and why?

Information gathered over the past six years has examined right-wing terrorist incidents in the U.S. from 2017 to 2022. This period was chosen to study trends under two different presidential administrations and to understand the growth of extremist groups, particularly white supremacists. These years saw an increase in young people becoming radicalized and more violence encouraged by extremist ideologies.

Just days before the four-year anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attacks, a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The driver, an active-duty U.S. Army Special Forces soldier, reportedly shot himself before the blast, injuring seven others. Authorities have not yet confirmed if this was an act of terrorism, but the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police acknowledged the political symbolism of the Tesla vehicle and its link to the Trump hotel.

Defining right-wing terrorism

Terrorism is planned violence by non-government groups to support a belief or harm opponents. Domestic terrorism refers to acts by U.S. citizens or residents that are not linked to foreign or local terrorist organizations. This definition excludes spontaneous violence, such as individuals reacting without premeditation.

A key incident during this period was the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. More than a thousand people were arrested, and the event is considered a major right-wing terrorist act.

However, left-wing and extremist terrorism also occur, but less frequently and with less impact compared to right-wing violence.

A surge in right-wing terrorism

Over the past 50 years, right-wing extremism in the U.S. has risen and fallen in cycles. There were major increases in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by a decline in the early 2000s. However, a new wave began in the late 2000s, influenced by political changes and social media.

Although extremist activity has generally decreased since 2022, there has been a noticeable rise in neo-Nazi and white supremacist activity. White nationalist groups have been organizing and recruiting in different parts of the country, shifting extremist activity to new areas. For example, as is known, Davidson County in Tennessee has become a focal point for neo-Nazi organizing in 2024.

Interestingly, extremist activity was significantly lower during the 2024 election period compared to 2020. A quick and clear victory by Donald Trump may have contributed to a more peaceful election, with fewer election-related incidents. However, isolated acts of violence, such as arson attacks on ballot boxes in Oregon, still occurred.

Deadly consequences

As terrorist incidents have increased, so have related deaths. Reports show that 58 people were killed in right-wing terrorist attacks between 2017 and 2022. Most of these deaths were caused by mass shootings targeting minority communities.

For example, white supremacists were responsible for many deaths, with attacks like the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue shooting and the 2019 El Paso Walmart attack, which specifically targeted Jews and Latinos.

The expansion of extremist online communities has played a role in encouraging violence.

Patterns in attacks and targets

Firearms were the most used weapon in these attacks. Out of 67 incidents, 27 involved firearms, while others involved incendiary devices and explosives. Most attacks were carried out by individuals rather than groups, making them harder to predict and stop.

The most common targets were government institutions, religious sites, abortion clinics, and racial minorities. Extremists also targeted law enforcement officers, influenced by conspiracy theories and anti-government beliefs.

It is widely underlined that with President Trump now back in office, concerns about extremist violence may remain high. Some far-right extremists may feel encouraged, while far-left groups could react strongly to his policies.

The growing political divide poses a serious risk of escalating violence from different extremist groups in 2025.

Demonstration trends and political impact

It is also commented that despite hopes that abortion access would influence voter behavior in the 2024 election, its impact was smaller than expected. While ballot measures protecting abortion rights passed in many states, they did not significantly change the results of the presidential race.

President Trump’s role in addressing extremism

Now that President Trump has returned to office, he holds a crucial responsibility in addressing extremist violence. His administration is expected to and should prioritize clear and firm rejection of extremist violence, emphasizing that such actions do not represent his leadership or values. He is expected to take every opportunity to promote the importance of the rule of law and order.

Naturally the president of the U.S. is  also expected to work closely with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to monitor and disrupt extremist networks. Efforts to improve public communication and transparency regarding security threats will help reassure the public and prevent misinformation from spreading.

Encouraging peaceful political engagement among his supporters is also essential. President Trump should emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue and democratic participation over violence. It is commented that such an approach can help reduce tensions and guide public sentiment in a positive direction.

Additionally, his administration can invest in programs aimed at countering radicalization, providing education, and raising awareness about the dangers of extremist ideologies. Supporting community-led initiatives to promote social cohesion and inclusivity can also play a vital role in reducing extremist influences.

Finally, the right-wing terrorism in the U.S. still remains a serious and evolving threat. Strong efforts are needed to prevent further violence and protect communities as well as the foreigners. Authorities, so all types of law enforcement bodies and agencies are expected to take firm steps to address the root causes and stop extremist networks before they act.

All information, figures and statistics presented in this article have been compiled from open sources.

Ceren Harputlu is an analyst specializing in international relations. She occasionally contributes as a freelance writer.