Florida ranks among states with highest hate group numbers

Author: Associated Press
Published:
Graphic via Southern Poverty Law Center.

MIAMI (AP) The number of active hate groups in Florida ranks second among other states in the nation.

The Miami Herald reports that according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are more than 60 active hate groups in Florida. The SPLC’s report features a map detailing more than 900 hate groups actively operating across the country. California ranks number one with 79.

Two of the 63 in Florida are in Lee County — The Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ in Fort Myers and the Ku Klos Knights of the Ku Klux Klan in Cape Coral.

The report says in 2016 there were 130 Ku Klux Klan groups and 193 Black Separatist groups active nationwide.

In 2011 the groups peaked at more than 1,000 before decreasing to 784 in 2014. Last year’s 917 was part of an increase since.

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