TL/DR –
The article discusses the rise in violent threats towards politicians in America, particularly during the Trump era. It cites data collected by the U.S. Capitol Police, who reported a significant increase in threats against congress members, from less than 2,000 per year a decade ago to nearly 10,000 annually now. The article also points out that politicians from all sides are feeling threatened, with some, like Democratic Washington state senator Adrian Cortes, resorting to wearing body armor during public addresses.
Addressing Political Violence and Threats in America: A Look at the Role of Institutions and Social Media
Political commentator Shapiro frequently operates in the liberal tradition, appealing to public goodwill and hope, a strategy tested by recent acts of violence. He criticises the former president for his partial stance on violence, and points out the increasing mistrust young Americans feel towards their nation’s institutions. He suggests that institutions must act more efficiently to restore faith in the system, despite acknowledging that policy changes may not be able to combat the dire consequences of political violence.
The U.S., a rich nation, tolerates an unusually high level of violence and weapon circulation. Participating in the political process now seems to come with personal risk.
After the Capitol riot in January 2021, Tom Manger, the newly appointed U.S. Capitol Police Chief, discovered that threats against Congress members had dramatically increased. Social media attention, rather than party affiliation or seniority, was a key predictor of who received the most threats. The sheer volume of threats, nearly ten thousand a year, surpassed the investigative capacity of the Capitol Police.
Often threats would escalate from dissatisfaction with congressional response to perceived issues, in some cases even implying surveillance of the Congress member’s personal life. The threat landscape has become so severe that both conservative and liberal public figures are stepping up their personal security measures.
The Perception of Threat and its Consequences
Following the assassination of Kirk, many public figures are reconsidering their security. Conservative commentators like Shapiro and activist Christopher Rufo have shared their experiences, indicating that there is a rising demand for protection. This is true for figures across the political spectrum, including Democratic Senator Adrian Cortes who has started wearing body armour in certain scenarios.
Caption: The Pennsylvania governor’s residence after Cody Balmer set off two Molotov cocktails in the state dining room. Credit: Matthew Hatcher / Getty
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