After Temple Shootings, Are 'Hate' Groups a Maryland Concern?

It's been less than a week since six worshipers at a Wisconsin Sikh temple were shot and killed by a gunman police say had ties to neo-Nazis and white supremacists.

, located in North Potomac, has held special prayer services to honor those killed.

The shootings have raised concerns about extremist groups operating across the country and police in Chicago and other jurisdictions have reportedly increased surveillance of such groups.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), there are 18 "hate" groups operating in Maryland, including two in Montgomery County.

The Center for Perpetual Diversity, located in Gaithersburg, is on the list but does not consider itself a "hate" group, according to a man who answered the center's phone but declined to give his full name.

He surmised about why his group landed on the SPLC list. "I guess they just hate me," he said.

He said he believes the SPLC adds groups to the list that don't agree with their organization's message. 

The Silver Spring chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizen, also on the list, could not be reached for comment. 

Here is the SPLC list of "hate" groups in Maryland:

Do you think these groups should be considered "hate" groups? Tell us why or why not in the comments.