FBI Cuts Ties with SPLC Over Charlie Kirk Hate Map Criticism

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has terminated its partnership with the Southern Poverty Law Center. This decisive move was announced by FBI Director Kash Patel. The action follows intense criticism of the SPLC from prominent conservative figures.

The controversy erupted after the SPLC published a report targeting conservative groups. Critics accused the organization of inciting violence following the shooting of activist Charlie Kirk. According to Reuters, the FBI had previously used SPLC data for law enforcement purposes.

Patel Denounces SPLC as “Partisan Smear Machine”

FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement publicly on social media. He stated the SPLC abandoned civil rights work to become a partisan smear machine. Patel specifically condemned the group’s infamous “hate map.”

He said the map has been used to defame mainstream Americans. Patel also claimed it has inspired violence. He emphasized the FBI will not rely on politicized intelligence from outside groups.

Understanding the SPLC’s Controversial “Hate Map”

The SPLC’s hate map is an interactive online tool. It purports to track hate groups across the United States. The organization says it has provided this data to law enforcement since 2000.

Users can click on the map to see listed groups in specific areas. Data is available from 2000 to 2024 and is downloadable. Critics argue the map inaccurately labels mainstream conservative organizations as hate groups.

The FBI’s separation from the SPLC marks a significant shift in how law enforcement identifies and monitors extremist groups, potentially reshaping the landscape of domestic threat assessment for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Southern Poverty Law Center?

The SPLC is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization. It originally focused on civil rights and public interest litigation. It is now known for its work monitoring hate groups and other extremists.

Why did the FBI cut ties with the SPLC?

The FBI severed ties following accusations the SPLC incited violence. This came after the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Director Patel called the organization a “partisan smear machine.”

What is the SPLC “hate map”?

It is an interactive online map tracking organizations the SPLC designates as hate groups. The map covers the entire United States. Data has been collected and published since the year 2000.

How have people reacted to this decision?

Reactions have been sharply divided along political lines. Many conservatives praised the move as long overdue. Civil rights groups have expressed concern about losing a data source.

Has the FBI taken similar actions before?

Yes, the FBI previously cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League. That decision also followed controversy over the ADL’s classification of certain conservative groups as extremists.