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Anti-Defamation League Alarmed By Internet Hate

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Jun 11, 2009 7:13 pm US/Eastern

Anti-Defamation League Alarmed By Internet Hate

FBI Says Economic Downturn Plays Huge Role In Growing Hate Speech On Web But Is Wary Of First Amendment Issues

 CBS News Interactive: Guns In America
Reporting
Christine Sloan
SECAUCUS, N.J. (CBS) ― The deadly shooting at the Washington D.C. Holocaust museum is just the latest in a number of violent hate crimes. Some are wondering if hate online is to blame.

Wednesday's attack -- some say -- is raising questions on the role of the Internet in spreading extremist and hateful propaganda.

And Thursday, New Jersey resident and white supremacist Hal Turner surrendered on charges of inciting violence against two Connecticut lawmakers on the 'net. Turner once asked the public to give him addresses of judges he disliked so he could post them on the Web.

The recent increase in Internet hate speech has the Anti-Defamation League concerned.

"And the effect is when they start talking to each other it normalizes and creates a virtual community of racism that might encourage them to act out violently," said Etzion Neuer of the ADL in New Jersey.

The FBI is one agency that monitors extremist groups, but the special agent in charge of the Newark division said it's a challenge.

"We're always mindful of the First Amendment rights -- like I said -- but we actually pursue any instance where a crime is being committed or others are inciting others to commit a crime," said Special Agent Weysan Dun.

White supremacists like Turner are sought when they cross the line, using threatening rhetoric. It seems federal authorities see an increase in hate crimes during tough times.

"During times of economic downturns such as we're experiencing now there is a tendency for these groups to grow because they offer people an excuse as to why they may be suffering economically," Dun said.

Despite the charges against Turner, FBI officials said the good news is that in New Jersey there are very few white supremacist groups.

Turner was released on $25,000 bail. His attorney said while people may disagree with his views, Turner's First Amendment rights must be protected.

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