🚨 At a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University, conservative youth org co-founder Charlie Kirk was struck by a gunshot while speaking to 3,000 people, sending the crowd into panic.
Experts call this a tipping point in a rising wave of violence. "This event is horrifying, alarming, but not necessarily surprising," says Mike Jensen, who tracks political violence at the University of Maryland. In the first half of 2024, the U.S. saw about 150 politically motivated attacks—nearly double last year's tally. Jensen warns, "We're in a very dangerous spot…this could be a flashpoint."
According to Reuters, at least 300 acts of political violence have been recorded since the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack through last year's election—the biggest upsurge since the 1970s. Jon Lewis from George Washington University notes, "Violence is becoming the norm…even without clear ideology."
Political scientist Lilliana Mason explains, "People may hesitate to start violence, but they're quick to retaliate. No one wants to be the first, but many want to be the last."
With attacks fueled by economic uncertainty, shifting racial and ethnic demographics, and social media–fueled outrage, experts worry the country could spiral further. As one researcher puts it, "Some people love the changes this administration made, some hate it…and they're acting out. It becomes a vicious spiral that could lead us somewhere really bad."
Will this incident be a catalyst for broader civil unrest? Only time will tell, but for now, the U.S. is at a crossroads. 🌪️
Reference(s):
Kirk killing: Experts warn of "Vicious spiral" in political violence
cgtn.com
