PETITION TO THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Request for Investigation into Reddit, Inc. for Hosting and Enabling Extremist Content and Potential Acts of Political Violence

To: The Pam J. Bondi
Attorney General of the United States
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20530-0001

From: Concerned Citizens of the United States

Date: September 12, 2025

 

Subject: Request for Department of Justice Investigation into Reddit, Inc.

We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Department of Justice to initiate a full and transparent investigation into Reddit, Inc. and its online platform, Reddit.com, in light of its longstanding role as a hub for extremist organizing, dissemination of violent content, and potential incitement to acts of political violence.

The tragic assassination of public figure Charlie Kirk underscores a pattern of escalating extremism and radicalization in online spaces. Reddit has repeatedly been identified by researchers, journalists, and watchdog organizations as a breeding ground for extremist communities, including those linked to prior acts of violence in the United States. Despite prior warnings and community reports, Reddit continues to host forums where violent rhetoric, targeted harassment, and calls to political violence are normalized and amplified.

Basis for Concern

• History of Extremist Activity: Reddit has previously hosted forums  and  subreddits that were banned only after years of public pressure, despite clear patterns of extremism and threats of violence.
• Amplification of Political Violence: The persistence of communities advocating violence or dehumanizing rhetoric poses a direct risk to American citizens and the integrity of democratic discourse.
• Public Safety Risk: Platforms that fail to monitor or remove extremist content effectively contribute to an ecosystem where individuals can be radicalized and motivated to commit acts of violence.
• Failure of Self-Governance: Reddit’s repeated reliance on after-the-fact bans and an ineffectual moderation system indicates systemic issues in content moderation and corporate governance.
• Normalization of Political Assassination: In the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, numerous Reddit communities have allowed posts and comments openly celebrating his death. This is not only dehumanizing but also establishes a permissive culture where political assassination is treated as acceptable or even desirable. Such discourse corrodes democratic norms and poses an ongoing threat to public officials and private citizens alike.

Requested Action

• Open an immediate investigation into Reddit, Inc. regarding its handling of extremist content and whether it has knowingly permitted the use of its platform to organize or encourage political violence.
• Examine whether Reddit’s actions—or lack thereof—constitute violations of federal law, including statutes related to incitement, conspiracy, or providing material support to acts of violence.
• Consider legal, regulatory, or policy remedies to ensure that online platforms are not permitted to undermine American democracy or public safety.

Conclusion

The health of our democracy and the safety of our citizens require vigilance not only against those who commit acts of violence, but also against the platforms that enable, normalize, or profit from extremist organizing. Reddit, Inc. must be held accountable for its role in shaping this dangerous environment. We urge the Department of Justice to take swift and decisive action.

Respectfully submitted,

The American People