The FBI has ended its relationship with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). FBI Director Kash Patel expressed strong criticism, stating that the SPLC has moved away from its original civil rights mission to become a partisan entity.
The FBI acknowledged that along with the Ku Klux Klan, it has severed all ties with SPLC, which is often seen as a left-leaning organization that designates conservatives and Christians on what they call a “hate map.” These maps have, according to reports, even played a role in inspiring terrorist attacks against conservative groups.
In a statement, Patel noted, “The Southern Poverty Law Center has long abandoned civil rights jobs and became a partisan smear. Their so-called hatred maps have been used to denigrate mainstream Americans and even inspire violence.” He emphasized that their record makes a continued partnership with the FBI inappropriate.
The FBI clarified that it no longer relies on any intelligence from SPLC and is not engaged in sharing information with them.
Additionally, the FBI has recently distanced itself from the Prevention League. Patel pointed out that past leadership under James Comey was problematic, criticizing how Comey engaged with extreme groups that operated much like terrorist organizations and conducted surveillance on Americans. “It wasn’t law enforcement,” he stated.
Reports reveal that Patel has officially rejected Comey’s approach and ties with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), emphasizing a new direction for the FBI.
