on november 17, attorney general a. mitchell palmer reported to congress on the threat that anarchists and bolsheviks posed to the government. more than half the report documented radicalism in the black community and the "open defiance" black leaders advocated in response to racial violence and the summer's rioting. it faulted the leadership of the black community for an "ill-governed reaction toward race rioting ... in all discussions of the recent racial riots against blacks there is reflected the note of pride that the negro has found himself. that he has 'fought back,' that never again will he tamely submit to violence and intimidation." it described "the dangerous spirit of defiance and vengeance at work among the negro leaders".