Political violence in the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent years, shaking trust in democratic institutions and sparking fears for the future of governance. From assassination attempts to Capitol sieges, the trend mirrors a dangerous erosion of civic stability. Let’s break it down👇
From Threats to Tragedy
U.S. Capitol Police reports reveal a chilling spike: threats against Congress members jumped 10x between 2016 (902 cases) and 2020 (8,600+). This tension exploded on January 6, 2021, when pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol, leaving 5 dead and 140+ officers injured. 🔥🗽
Polarization Turns Violent
2017: A left-wing extremist shot GOP lawmakers during a baseball practice, critically injuring Rep. Steve Scalise.
2022: Paul Pelosi, husband of ex-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was brutally attacked by a conspiracy-driven assailant.
These incidents highlight extremism on both sides of the political divide—a trend amplified by online radicalization. 💻⚔️
Trust in Freefall
A 2023 Gallup poll shows only 32% of Americans trust Congress—down 6% from 2022. When elected officials face constant threats, effective governance becomes nearly impossible. 📉🤝
Experts warn this cycle risks normalizing violence as a political tool. Can the U.S. reverse course before it’s too late? 🌐🔍
