Despite what Donald Trump and many other politicians have told you, the major threat to America isnt Muslim extremism. In fact, statistics show that the real danger lies with domestic extremists who arent of the Muslim faith. The New York Times reported back in June that since Sept. 11, 2001, almost twice as many people have died at the hands of white supremacists and other non-Muslim extremists than by radical Muslims. Using data compiled by New America, a Washington Research center, a study found that 48 people have been killed by extremists who are not Muslimincluding the mass killings in Charleston, S.C.compared to the 26 by self-proclaimed jihadists. However, this does not factor in yesterdays tragic shooting or less publicized incidents like the Las Vegas couple who murdered two police officers and left a Swastika on one of the bodies.
These stats reveal a vast difference between public perception and the number of actual cases in which Muslim extremists have claimed American lives. So why arent more people outraged about domestic terrorists? Because then wed have to admit that white supremacy is still a problem.
While the public hasn't quite caught on yet, scholars say that the issue needs to be addressed. Theres an acceptance now of the idea that the threat from jihadi terrorism in the United States has been overblown, Dr. John G. Horgan, who studies terrorism at the University of Massachusetts said. And theres a belief that the threat of right-wing, antigovernment violence has been underestimated.
Thats an understatement.
More from Complex