ADL Counts Inflate Violence Claims

Analyses that cite the Anti‑Defamation League’s “extremist‑related killings” to prove political violence skews right often miss that the ADL includes any homicide by an extremist, even when the motive isn’t political. Using this number to characterize ideologically motivated violence overstates one side’s share. — Clarifying what this high‑profile metric measures would improve media coverage and policymaking about political extremism and reduce misleading one‑sided blame.

Sources

How much black violence is leftist?

Steve Sailer 2025.10.03 60% relevant

Like the critique of ADL metrics, this piece questions a prominent dataset (Cato’s list) used to assign ideological blame by noting selective timeframes (starting in 1975) and high‑impact omissions (Jonestown), showing how counting rules shape partisan conclusions.

Yes, You Should “Both Sides” Political Violence

Cathy Young 2025.10.01 100% relevant

The article highlights the ADL fine print noting inclusion of non‑ideological killings and questions Vox’s use of the figure to assert a right‑wing monopoly on violence.