'20/20' AIRS IN-DEPTH REPORT ON EXTREMIST GROUPS, THE RESPONSE TO HATE SPEECH AND A TIPPING POINT FUELED BY A CONTENTIOUS POLITICAL CLIMATE

'Fractured America: Extremism in the Streets' Airs on '20/20' Friday, August 18, on ABC

This past weekend a white nationalist protest in Charlottesville, Virginia, turned violent leading to three lives lost and 19 people injured - including the death of a young woman, Heather Heyer, who police say was struck intentionally by a car driven by a young man reportedly aligned with white supremacists; and the deaths of two state police officers, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper Berke M.M. Bates, in a helicopter crash responding to the protests. This tragedy that has sparked a national conversation and outrage is a stark example of a tipping point in America fueled by a contentious political climate. For the past six months, "20/20" has been following some extremist groups, including ones based on hate and intolerance. They are white nationalists and white supremacists who have begun to act more openly, better organize and commit acts of bigotry in cities and towns across the nation. Correspondent Tom Llamas spoke with Richard Spencer and Matthew Heimbach, leaders of two far-right movements, and cameras followed them through several intense rallies and events.

The hour report also features organizations on the far left, including the Anarchism and Anti-Fascist (Antifa) groups that have made it their mission to stop hate speech, which they consider to be a form of violence, by protesting and in some cases disrupting public events, speeches or rallies that white nationalists organize. Critics charge that Antifa members are restricting free speech. While some members of these groups do resort to violence themselves, they claim they are acting to protect the rights of minorities that are under threat. The report also includes interviews with outspoken Antifa members Lacy MacAuley and Daryle Lamont Jenkins.

"Fractured America: Extremism in the Streets" airs on "20/20" FRIDAY, AUGUST 18 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC.

"20/20" is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and David Muir. David Sloan is senior executive producer.