Is the US still frightened by its own violence? the New Yorker asks today https://t.co/9cW3XCduFO
— Dr.Helle Malmvig (@HelleMalmvig) September 17, 2024
The United States has a long history of political violence, but recent events suggest that the trend is escalating to alarming levels, experts say. The apparent second assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump has stirred fresh concerns about growing political violence as the country heads into another contentious election season. On Sunday, 58-year-old Ryan Routh allegedly tried to assassinate Trump while he was golfing at his Florida club.
“Trump could raise his voice against the routine gun violence that spared him but has destroyed so many others,” writes @davidfrum. “But he probably won't”: https://t.co/aPMY9ycr7n
— Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) September 17, 2024
Although Routh appeared in federal court on Monday, law enforcement authorities have not disclosed a known motive for the attack. This incident has contributed to a sense of unease about the growing trend of political violence in the U.S.
"Trump does not pause to reflect on the impact of his own words" https://t.co/3oey4gGY0x
— Katie Rogers (@katierogers) September 16, 2024
Gary LaFree, a criminology professor at the University of Maryland, points out that the U.S. saw a significant amount of political violence in the 1970s, with various groups committing criminal acts to coerce policy changes or instill fear. However, he notes a sharp decline in such acts in subsequent decades.
“We had some years where we didn’t have a single case that qualified as terrorism in the United States in the 2000s,” LaFree said. “Then we started to see an uptick around 2015 and 2016.”
The current wave of political violence differs ideologically from past incidents. “Back in the ’70s, most of the action came from leftist groups.
The big players now are right-wing groups,” LaFree explains. Beyond high-profile incidents that qualify as terrorism, there is a growing sense that everyday political violence is on the rise.
Rising fear of political violence
Jason Blazakis, director of the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said that high levels of harassment, threats, and violence have become common against local elected officials. This reflects a dangerous environment fueled by conspiracy theories, misinformation, and the nation’s gun culture. One of the most concerning aspects of this rise in political violence is the influence of high-profile figures who amplify conspiracy theories and incendiary rhetoric.
Experts warn that such statements can result in “stochastic terrorism,” where individuals are inspired to commit acts of violence based on inflammatory rhetoric they consume. Blazakis emphasizes the impact of rhetoric from influential figures: “Words have consequences, especially when people are riled up.”
As the election nears, experts worry that the rhetoric and violent acts will only intensify. Former President Trump, for instance, continues to make incendiary claims about the 2020 election, deepening divisions and grievances.
“What I’m most concerned about is individuals taking inspiration from these assassination attempts and trying to be copycats,” Blazakis says. “I think the rhetoric from our politicians is only going to become more heated.”
Stopping future attacks has become increasingly challenging. Colin Clarke, director of research at the Soufan Group, expresses concern about disaffected individuals who are quietly preparing for violence, likening them to the Oklahoma City bomber, Timothy McVeigh.
“The people that aren’t out there running their mouths, those are the ones who can really cause harm,” Clarke warns. As experts urge vigilance, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping to avoid further bloodshed and unrest in these politically turbulent times.
