FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 5, 2025 — Washington, D.C.

The Afghan-American Foundation (AAF) is deeply concerned by the rapid surge in online anti-Afghan hate that followed the tragic shooting in Washington, D.C. From the outset, we cautioned that moments like this create openings for bad-faith actors to weaponize fear and scapegoat entire communities. What begun as an online wave of collective stigmatizing and scapegoating quickly intensified into a coordinated effort to vilify Afghans as a group, creating conditions that too often lead to real-world harassment, intimidation, and violence.

To assess the scope of this escalation, AAF partnered with the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) to assess the full extent of this rapidly escalating online hate.

Between November 26 and December 3, CSOH identified 8,785 posts across X, Facebook, and Instagram containing explicit anti-Afghan hate.

The data shows that hate volume peaked within 24 hours of the incident, indicating swift mobilization by extremist accounts intent on exploiting the moment. Narratives emerging online portrayed Afghans as collectively dangerous and quickly expanded to target Muslim and immigrant communities more broadly. This pattern reflects a broader ecosystem of xenophobia activated during moments of crisis.

Across platforms, Afghans were labeled as “terrorists,” “invaders,” and “illegals.” Many posts escalated into open calls for mass deportations and even denaturalization of Afghan Americans. Such rhetoric is not merely inflammatory—it is dehumanizing and lays the groundwork for discrimination, harassment, violence, and harmful policy actions.

Although the initial spike has diminished, the threat remains. CSOH’s analysis shows that the baseline level of anti-Afghan hate continues to be significantly elevated, signaling a more hostile digital environment that requires immediate attention.

We have seen time and again, across many communities and contexts that spikes in online hate are often precursors to real-world harassment, hate crimes, and targeted political action. The normalization of Afghans as “terrorists,” “invaders,” or “illegals” does more than reinforce harmful stereotypes: it increases the likelihood of offline violence, workplace discrimination, school bullying, and hostile encounters with law enforcement and immigration authorities.

AAF urges policymakers, tech platforms, and community leaders to recognize that unchecked online hate endangers lives, deepens polarization, and undermines the public safety. We will continue working with partners like CSOH to monitor these trends, counter disinformation, and safeguard the rights and dignity of Afghan families across the United States.

For media inquiries, contact: info@afghanamericans.org