America’s dangerous drift to political violence. Can it be stopped?
The United States is experiencing a rise in political violence, highlighted by multiple assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump and retaliatory legal actions against political figures. Incidents such as the April 25, 2026, attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and the indictment of former FBI director James Comey underscore growing political tensions. Experts and public opinion suggest that political violence is increasing or becoming more visible, fueled by polarized discourse and easy access to weapons.
- ▪Donald Trump survived three assassination attempts, including one in July 2024 where a bullet grazed his ear and another in April 2026 at the Washington Hilton.
- ▪Cole Allen, a 31-year-old man, attacked the Washington Hilton with multiple weapons and left a 1,000-word note targeting Trump administration officials.
- ▪Former FBI director James Comey was indicted in May 2026 over an Instagram post interpreted as a veiled threat against President Trump.
- ▪The US Capitol Police investigated 14,939 threats against congressional members and staff in 2025, a 50% increase from 2024.
- ▪A September 2025 Pew survey found that 85% of Americans believe politically motivated violence is increasing.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
News analysisAmerica’s dangerous drift to political violence. Can it be stopped?Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUS President Donald Trump is rushed out of a room at the Washington Hilton on April 25 after shots were fired nearby. PHOTO: REUTERSBhagyashree GarekarPublished May 02, 2026, 03:20 PMUpdated May 02, 2026, 03:20 PMPHILADELPHIA – It was a balmy summer day in July 2024, about 100km from Butler, Pennsylvania, where presidential election candidate Donald Trump was addressing a rally when I heard the news over the car radio. He had been shot.Mr Trump had a providential escape as a would-be assassin’s bullet grazed his ear.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.