Political violence: Why is this happening? Are we likely to see more of this?

Recent years have witnessed a disturbing escalation in political violence that demands our urgent attention and understanding. The September 2025 assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University represents the latest in a series of shocking incidents that have shaken American democracy. Notable recent incidents include the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker in her home along with an assassination attempt on another lawmaker and his wife. It appears that we are confronting a pattern that extends far beyond isolated acts of extremism.

These incidents raise fundamental questions about the state of our democracy and the safety of public discourse. What underlying factors are driving individuals toward political violence? Are we witnessing a temporary surge tied to recent political tensions, or have we entered a new era where violence becomes a normalized tool of political expression? Join us as we examine these troubling events, explore the complex web of causes behind political radicalization, and engage in a critical discussion about whether such violence is likely to increase. Most importantly, what concrete steps we can take as a community to prevent future acts of political violence and protect democratic institutions?

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