Full Breakdown
Alabama Attorney General Launches Civil Probe of SPLC After Federal Fraud Indictments
5/12/2026, 2:22:50 AM
State Investigation Initiated
On May 11, 2026, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall issued a subpoena to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), headquartered in Montgomery, demanding documents by June 1, 2026. The civil probe, launched under the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act, alleges the nonprofit used deceptive fundraising that may violate Alabama consumer-protection statutes. The action follows a federal indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal Indictment Context
A federal grand jury in Montgomery indicted the SPLC on 11 counts—including wire fraud, false statements, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors allege the group diverted at least $3 million in donor money (2014-2023) to pay informants embedded in extremist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, and the National Socialist Party of America.
Core Data
The subpoena requests donor lists from Alabama and beyond, disclosures of informant use, the share of the SPLC’s budget spent on informants, and payments to individuals or groups listed in its “extremist files” or “hate map.” The federal case cites $3 million paid to informants from 2014 to 2023.
Official Statements & Responses
Marshall said the federal indictment gave his office a significant impetus and that the state will assess whether the SPLC breached Alabama consumer-protection laws. The SPLC confirmed receipt of the subpoena and is reviewing it. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche accused the group of manufacturing racism, while SPLC attorney Abbe Lowell called the federal charges provably wrong and based on inaccurate facts and inapplicable law.
Criticism & Opposition
State officials argue the SPLC exploits racial issues for fundraising, whereas the SPLC says its informant program supplies vital intelligence that helps prevent hate-group violence and has long been coordinated with law-enforcement agencies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources cite the $3 million figure, but none reveal the exact budget share devoted to informants or the full list of extremist groups. The definition of “informants” (leaders versus lower-level members) also varies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “My Office has been fighting the SPLC for years—whether fighting them to protect minors from transgender medical procedures, fighting them to keep bad guys behind bars, or fighting them to preserve Alabama’s Republican congressional districts,” — Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General
- “We have always suspected that they were monetizing hate and trading on race-baiting. It was just a matter of proving it.” — Steve Marshall, Alabama Attorney General
- “[we] have received notice of a subpoena and are currently reviewing.” — SPLC spokesperson
- “manufacturing racism to justify its existence.” — Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General of Alabama
What’s Next
The SPLC must produce the requested documents by June 1, 2026. Alabama may pursue civil penalties or further action based on the findings, while the federal case proceeds with the organization having pleaded not guilty to all counts.
