Today’s violence

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the attempted shooting of Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania and the implications of Trump's political rhetoric and its connection to increased political violence and threats in the United States.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The author's initial reaction and concerns

1. What was the author's initial reaction to the attempted shooting of Donald Trump?

• The author's first thought was "I hope to god he's okay" for the usual reasons we hope other humans are safe from harm.
• The author had another reason in the case of Donald Trump - they did not want anything to add fuel to Trump's dangerous message of paranoid martyrdom.

2. What concerns did the author express about Trump's political rhetoric?

• The author reminded readers of the constant undercurrent of violence in Trump's campaign message to his followers, where he talks of an America divided between Trump supporters and "enemies within" who are seeking to destroy both Trump and his followers.
• The author noted that Trump has shaped his campaign around his own paranoid martyrdom, and they did not want the attempted shooting to add fuel to this dangerous message.

[02] The connection between Trump's rise and increased political violence

1. What data did the author provide about the increase in political threats and violence during Trump's presidency?

• In 2016, the Capitol police recorded fewer than 900 threats against members of Congress.
• In 2017, after Trump took office, that figure more than quadrupled, according to the Capitol police.
• The numbers continued to rise every year of the Trump presidency, peaking at 9,700 in 2021.
• In 2022, the first full year of Biden's term, the numbers declined to a still-high 7,500.

2. What did the author say about the connection between Trump's political rise and the increase in political violence and threats?

• The author stated that they have much more to say about this connection, but for now, they asked readers to join them in doing everything possible to lower the hostility and anger now pervading American politics.

[03] The author's call for unity and safety

1. What did the author call for in the article?

• The author called for everyone running for political office and every American engaged in politics to remain safe from harm.
• The author asked readers to join them in doing everything possible to lower the hostility and anger now pervading American politics.