Domestic Extremists
Individuals present in the United States who seek to further political or social goals, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected. This definition does not include or describe homegrown violent extremists, who are defined by the FBI as al-Qa‘ida-inspired individuals based in the United States and radicalized primarily in the United States, and are not directly collaborating with a foreign terrorist organization.
Animal Rights Extremists
Individuals who seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence, to further their opposition to people, businesses, or government entities perceived to be exploiting or abusing animals. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
Black Separatist Extremists
Individuals who seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence, to attain separation from the non-black US population. This separation includes, but is not limited to, physical separation, political separation, or social separation as demonstrated by separate communities, political institutions, or social organizations. This desire for separation is typically based on either a religious or political belief system, which is sometimes formed around or includes a belief in racial superiority or supremacy. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
Environmental Extremists
Individuals who seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence, to further their opposition to people, businesses, or government entities perceived to be destroying, degrading, or exploiting the natural environment. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
Lone Offenders
Individuals who, operating alone or without the witting support of others, seek to advance, wholly or in part, a particular ideology or social agenda through unlawful acts of force or violence in violation of federal law.
Militia Extremists
Individuals who seek, wholly or in part, to engage in unlawful acts of force or violence in response to perceived abuses of power or authority by government, perceived threats to Constitutional rights by government, or bureaucratic incompetence in attending to critical tasks. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
Sovereign Citizen Extremists
Individuals who openly reject their US citizenship status, believe that most forms of established government, authority, and institutions are illegitimate, and seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence, to further their claim to be immune from government authority. The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected.
