Analysis: Dinner shooting brings reminders of past era of political violence
An alleged assassination attempt at the 2026 White House Correspondents' Dinner targeted HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., evoking memories of political violence from the 1960s and '70s. The incident occurred amid broader concerns about rising political instability and threats against government officials, including President Trump, who has now faced three such attempts. Historians draw parallels between today's polarized climate and past eras marked by social unrest, loss of faith in institutions, and political violence.
- ▪HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was rushed to safety after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026.
- ▪The alleged shooter, Cole Tomas Allen, traveled by train and reportedly targeted President Trump and Cabinet members, fitting a pattern of lone actors with political grievances.
- ▪President Trump has now been the target of three would-be assassins, more than any previous U.S. president.
- ▪Historians note strong parallels between today's political climate and the turbulent 1960s and '70s, including widespread distrust in government and economic instability.
- ▪Both eras have seen economic hardship, unpopular wars, and a breakdown in social cohesion, contributing to a rise in political violence.
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Politics Analysis: Unstable people in unsettled times – America revisits the political violence of the '60s and '70s By Daniel Klaidman Daniel Klaidman Daniel Klaidman, an investigative reporter based in New York, is the former editor-in-chief of Yahoo News and former managing editor of Newsweek. He has over two decades of experience covering politics, foreign affairs, national security and law. Read Full Bio Daniel Klaidman Updated on: April 29, 2026 / 1:57 PM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was amiably chatting with guests at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner when shots rang out. Amid the ensuing chaos as dinner attendees took cover, Kennedy's security detail rushed his table.
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