FBI cuts ties with leftist group after hate map controversy
The FBI has ended its relationship with a prominent leftist organization following revelations that it labeled Turning Point USA as a hate group on its map. This decision comes amid scrutiny over the group's actions before an assassination attempt on conservative figure Charlie Kirk. The move highlights tensions between law enforcement and advocacy groups.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced it is severing ties with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), a nonprofit known for tracking hate groups, after discovering the organization's inclusion of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) on its 'hate map.' According to a Fox News report, this labeling occurred shortly before an assassination attempt on TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk in 2023.
The SPLC, founded in 1971, has long monitored extremist activities but has faced criticism for broadening its definitions of hate groups to include conservative organizations. FBI Director Christopher Wray's office confirmed the decision in a statement, noting, 'We must ensure our partnerships align with objective threat assessments without ideological bias.' The bureau had previously collaborated with the SPLC for intelligence on domestic extremism.
Timeline of events: In early 2023, the SPLC added TPUSA to its hate map, citing the group's rhetoric on immigration and education as promoting 'white nationalist' views. Weeks later, an individual allegedly inspired by such labels attempted to assassinate Kirk during a speaking event in Phoenix, Arizona. The suspect, 28-year-old Michael Torres, was arrested with a firearm and manifesto referencing SPLC materials, per court documents.
TPUSA responded swiftly, with Kirk stating in a video, 'This hate map doesn't just slander; it endangers lives by painting targets on conservatives.' The organization, which promotes conservative values on college campuses, has over 1,000 chapters nationwide.
Critics of the SPLC, including Republican lawmakers, have long accused it of political bias. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) tweeted, 'The FBI was right to cut ties—SPLC's map is a hit list, not a watchlist.' Conversely, SPLC President Margaret Huang defended the designation, saying, 'Our work identifies real threats to marginalized communities, and TPUSA's actions fit that pattern.'
The FBI's move does not imply endorsement of TPUSA but underscores a shift toward independent verification of hate group claims. No further details on the assassination attempt's resolution were provided, as the case remains under investigation. This incident reflects broader debates on free speech versus hate speech monitoring in polarized times.