Under a bright Utah sky, about 3,000 young conservatives gathered at Utah Valley University for a rally—until a single gunshot rang out, sending the audience fleeing and toppling American political activist Charlie Kirk from the stage.
The shooting has become a stark marker in a worrying surge of political violence across the United States.
Mike Jensen of the University of Maryland, who tracks politically motivated attacks since 1970, calls the incident 'horrifying, alarming, but not necessarily surprising.'
Data show roughly 150 politically motivated incidents in the first half of this year—nearly double the number over the same period last year. Experts warn that a toxic mix of economic insecurity, shifting demographics and an inflammatory political climate is intensifying the threat.
Between the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and last year's presidential election, Reuters identified at least 300 cases of political violence—the most sustained wave since the 1970s.
Jon Lewis of George Washington University's Program on Extremism notes that 'extreme political violence is increasingly becoming the norm,' with acts often lacking clear ideology or motive.
Johns Hopkins political scientist Lilliana Mason points to the risk of retaliation: 'People are reluctant to engage in violence first, but they're much more willing to engage in violence as retaliation.'
Authorities have since detained and released a suspect under FBI questioning, but no firm motive has emerged.
Other incidents this year include two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, a deadly shooting of a state lawmaker in Minnesota, and an attack on the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
Since January, at least 21 people have been killed in politically motivated attacks, including a New Orleans shooting claimed by an IS-inspired militant.
Jensen warns that without intervention, the U.S. risks a 'vicious spiral' of retaliation that could spark widespread civil unrest.
Experts say addressing root causes and breaking the cycle of violence will be crucial to prevent further escalation.
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Kirk killing: Experts warn of "Vicious spiral" in political violence
cgtn.com
