Extremism in America

According to government officials, domestic terrorism by white supremacists is the nation's most urgent threat. EXTREMISM IN AMERICA, from Retro Report and The WNET Group’s Exploring Hate initiative, shows how the spread of extremist beliefs and violence was downplayed for decades by policymakers and law enforcement even as this dangerous ideology, fueled by racism, grew into a potent force today.

Acts of terror have dotted U.S. history but it wasn't until the 1980s that white supremacy became a growing threat. Formed by Robert Mathews, The Order and its actions - including the murder of Jewish radio talk show host Alan Berg - was an alert to the federal government that domestic terrorism should be recognized and prioritized.

The day after the 2008 presidential election, a predominantly Black church was burned to the ground - this was just one of a number of hate crimes that occurred in the U.S. following President Barack Obama's election. The response was also due to a theory known as the 'great/white replacement' which has been believed, spread and used by white supremacists, conservative media and politicians.

On August 5, 2012, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a gunman with ties to white supremacy entered a Sikh temple, killing and wounding members of the gurdwara and police. The product of extremism, mass shootings at houses of worship - from Charleston to Pittsburgh - have since continued over the past decade.

According to government officials, domestic terrorism by white supremacists is the nation's most urgent threat. EXTREMISM IN AMERICA, from Retro Report and The WNET Group’s Exploring Hate initiative, shows how the spread of extremist beliefs and violence was downplayed for decades by policymakers and law enforcement even as this dangerous ideology, fueled by racism, grew into a potent force today.