The numbers on US political violence
Political violence in the United States is on the rise, with multiple assassination attempts and violent incidents reported in recent years. The increase in threats against public officials and the normalization of violent rhetoric are contributing factors. Experts attribute this trend to partisan polarization, social media influence, and a growing acceptance of violence in political discourse.
- ▪Political violence in the US has been increasing, with notable incidents including the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and attacks on lawmakers.
- ▪The US Capitol Police have reported a significant rise in threats against members of Congress over the past nine years.
- ▪Recent data indicates that antigovernment violence reached a 30-year high in 2025, with a notable shift in the sources of these attacks.
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Today, Explained newsletterThe numbers on US political violenceAmerica has a political violence problem, and it’s getting worse.by Caitlin DeweyApr 28, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCShareGiftAn FBI tactical team prepares to enter a house associated with the suspected White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooter in Torrance, California. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty ImagesCaitlin Dewey is a senior writer and editor at Vox, where she helms the Today, Explained newsletter.President Donald Trump has now faced so many assassination attempts that some people suspect they aren’t real.The truth is less salacious, more alarming…and more straightforward.
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