Fact Check: Political violence is on the rise, warns Rep. Hillary Scholten.

Fact Check: "Political violence is on the rise, warns Rep. Hillary Scholten."

What We Know

Rep. Hillary Scholten recently expressed concerns about the rising threat of political violence, particularly in light of the recent shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. Following these events, she canceled a town hall meeting, stating that her name appeared on a list of targets associated with the suspect, Vance Boelter, who allegedly shot two lawmakers, resulting in one death and serious injuries to another (NBC News, Yahoo News). Scholten emphasized the need for bipartisan condemnation of political violence, highlighting that threats against lawmakers have been increasing in recent years. In 2022, the Capitol Police Threat Assessment Section investigated 9,474 concerning statements and direct threats against members of Congress, which marked an 18% increase from the previous year (NBC News).

Analysis

The claim that political violence is on the rise is supported by multiple sources detailing the recent incidents and the broader context of threats against lawmakers. The Minnesota shootings have reignited discussions about security among members of Congress, with many expressing heightened fears for their safety (CT Public, NBC News). Scholten's cancellation of her town hall meeting reflects a personal response to the perceived increase in danger, which aligns with the statistical data showing a rise in threats against elected officials (Yahoo News).

Moreover, the historical context provided by the Capitol Police data indicates that the number of threats has been steadily increasing, particularly following high-profile violent events such as the January 6 Capitol riot (NBC News). The urgency of the situation is underscored by lawmakers' calls for enhanced security measures and the acknowledgment that many officials feel unsafe performing their duties (CT Public, NBC News).

While some skepticism exists regarding the feasibility of increased security for all lawmakers, the consensus among many officials is that political violence is indeed a growing concern (CT Public, NBC News). The reliability of the sources is strong, as they include reports from reputable news organizations and official statements from lawmakers directly involved in the situation.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "political violence is on the rise" is True. The evidence presented by various credible sources supports the assertion that threats against lawmakers are increasing, particularly in the wake of recent violent incidents. Scholten's warnings and actions reflect a broader trend of concern among elected officials regarding their safety and the implications of political violence in the current climate.

Fact Check: Political violence is on the rise, warns Rep. Hillary Scholten.