The Rising Tide of Political Violence in the United States
The United States, a nation with a deep-seated history of political violence, is witnessing a resurgence of violence against its political figures. From the shadows of slavery to the aftermath of a devastating civil war, the specter of violence has always haunted the nation, as political philosopher Simone de Beauvoir noted: “even when violence does not appear explicitly, it haunts the world.” Recent events indicate that this haunting presence is becoming more pronounced.
In recent months, the nation has been shaken by the murders of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, Democratic Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, alongside the firebombing of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s residence. These incidents are part of a troubling trend, as revealed by a Brennan Center report that highlights the escalating violence against state and local officeholders.
The report found that approximately 40% of state legislators have noted an increase in the frequency of violent incidents, with nearly a third observing a rise in the severity of attacks. These findings are based on two national surveys conducted in 2022–2023 and numerous interviews with state legislators across party lines, who shared their alarming experiences.
At the federal level, threats are also on the rise. In 2023 alone, the U.S. Capitol Police investigated over 8,000 threats, marking a 50% increase from 2018 and tenfold compared to 2016. Lawmakers from both parties are experiencing these threats at similar rates, which has profound implications on their legislative duties.
The pervasive threat of violence influences not only who runs for office but also how elected officials perform their roles. It affects their interactions with constituents and can sway their votes on crucial issues. For instance, during the impeachment of President Trump following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, some lawmakers admitted that security concerns influenced their decision-making.
Rep. Liz Cheney revealed to David Axelrod that some colleagues chose not to impeach Trump due to personal safety fears: “Members of the United States House of Representatives for whom security, their personal security or their family security, their concerns about that affected the way that they felt they could vote.” Another Republican congressman shared with Sen. Mitt Romney his fear for family safety as a reason for his vote against impeachment.
The fear of violence extends beyond voting decisions, discouraging potential candidates from entering politics and prompting current officeholders to reconsider their careers. A study found that mayors who experienced violence were more likely to contemplate not seeking reelection. Similarly, the assault on Rep. Angie Craig in 2023 underscores the deterrent effect on political recruitment, as she noted, “The biggest deterrent for getting good people getting into politics today is that you do have to take precaution in a way that maybe 30 years ago [you did not].”
Moreover, violence has led to diminished civic engagement. Some representatives avoid certain areas in their districts due to safety concerns. One representative expressed that she avoids engaging with specific locales where law enforcement support is lacking, stating, “I’m not going to compromise my safety or my team’s safety.”
The attack on Rep. Gabby Giffords in 2011 serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in public engagements. The shooting occurred during a “Congress on your Corner” event and resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries. As a consequence, many lawmakers have transitioned to virtual town halls to mitigate safety risks, as former Rep. Derek Kilmer noted the complexities of organizing in-person events amid growing threats.
The implications of this violence are profound, affecting the very fabric of American democracy. When elected officials cannot perform their duties free from fear, the principles of democratic representation and civic engagement are severely undermined.
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