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Readers are concerned about political violence. Here’s why.
“I feel we have never been more divided nor has it been more dangerous of a time to discuss politics,” one respondent said.
As the 2024 election season unfolds, and as threats of violence against the presidential candidates reoccur, some Boston.com readers worry about a potential rise in political violence.
On Sunday, 58-year-old Ryan Routh allegedly tried to assassinate former president Donald Trump while he was golfing in Florida. The incident has ramped up concerns over a rise in political violence in the U.S., especially with the presidential election just seven weeks away.
In response to the incident, Trump told Fox News Digital on Monday that President Biden and Vice President Harris’s “rhetoric is causing me to be shot at.” Law enforcement officials have yet to describe a motive behind the apparent assassination attempt.
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Both Biden and Harris condemned the attack and political violence in the wake of the event.
“There is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that the Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety,” Biden said in a statement on Sunday.
The apparent assassination attempt comes two months after Trump was shot during a July 13 rally in Butler, Penn. Trump is not the only presidential candidate to have faced threats of violence. Most recently, Libertarians in New Hampshire appear to have encouraged the assassination of Harris.
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We asked Boston.com if they were concerned about political violence ahead of the 2024 election, and the majority (88%) of the 166 respondents to our poll said yes, they were concerned. Just 9% of respondents said they were not concerned, and 3% were unsure.
Are you concerned about political violence ahead of the 2024 presidential election?
Yes, I'm concerned
88%
No, I'm not concerned
9%
I don't know
3%
“Trying to assassinate someone is not the solution. You don’t like someone? Vote them out! Show your power with your vote, not with bullets,” reader Nathan from Needham said.
Many readers cited the “rhetoric” from both Democratic and Republican parties as playing a role in the rise of political violence, and warned that if measures to de-escalate polarization aren’t taken, political violence could rise.
Below, readers share their concerns about political violence ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Are you concerned about political violence ahead of the 2024 presidential election?
Yes
“I’m far from a fan of Donald Trump, but he is a former president and a presidential candidate, and he and his family have now dealt with two attempted assassinations. How is it that in America, we now have political candidates that people are actively trying to kill? It’s a serious issue and a huge red flag as to the mental health epidemic our society is facing.” – Alan B., Chelmsford
“Why am I concerned? Name the last time that any candidate was the target of an assassination attempt. Now, name last time that a candidate has been the target of more than one attempt. That’s why I’m concerned. Two attempts already and many other lone wolf types out there on both sides looking for either retribution or to finish the job that hasn’t yet been successful.” – Justin, Groton
“The media has a part in this. Without the media always showing both sides bating each other, we are going to have a problem.” – Mary, Chelsea
“I’m afraid of more political violence because of the easy access to automatic weapons and other guns in America. Republicans continue to fight harder to protect and expand access to dangerous firearms than they fight for access to health care, education, and social services that could help prevent violence before it happens.” – Elizabeth W., Watertown
“I want there to be a way to get back on track without violence toward any candidate at any level of government or any community member working peacefully to better our country. I fear if such avenues are not found, this terrifying violence could continue.” – Sam, Boston
No
“I wouldn’t say it was general political violence, just bumbling possible attempts on Trump’s life. There was talk of assassinating Harris, but that was just talk and I doubt anything will come of it. This political violence is nothing new and talking of killing people is nothing new, as we all remember January 6. This violence and suggestions of violence are mostly all about Trump.” – Jane, Boston
I don’t know
“After the initial assassination attempt on Donald Trump, law enforcement agencies at all levels have gone on heightened alert. Although there’s never any guarantee that a political figure is completely safe in public, I believe that the authorities are taking all the necessary steps to minimize threats. On the flip side, some political candidates continue to engage in divisive and inflammatory rhetoric which only serves to heighten the threat of political violence.” – Jeff, Natick
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