Fact Check: Political violence is surging in the U.S., threatening elected officials.

Fact Check: "Political violence is surging in the U.S., threatening elected officials."

What We Know

Recent data indicates a significant increase in threats and harassment against local officials in the United States. According to a report from the Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI), incidents of threats and harassment surged by 30% in November 2024, with 90 events recorded, marking the highest monthly total since data collection began in 2022 (source-2). This increase is part of a broader trend, with nearly 600 incidents reported throughout the year, reflecting a 19% rise from the previous year and a staggering 108% increase compared to 2022.

Moreover, the Department of Homeland Security identified politically motivated violence as a primary concern for 2025, noting that threats against members of Congress more than doubled from 2017 to 2024 (source-3). High-profile cases, such as the assassination attempts on politicians and violent attacks against lawmakers, further illustrate the escalating nature of political violence in the U.S. (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of surging political violence is robust. The data from BDI provides a comprehensive overview of the increasing hostility faced by local officials, particularly during the election period. The 30% increase in November alone, alongside the overall rise in incidents, underscores a troubling trend in political discourse and behavior (source-2).

Additionally, the New York Times highlights ongoing investigations into threats against politicians across multiple states, reinforcing the notion that political violence has become a normalized aspect of the current political climate (source-3). The involvement of various law enforcement agencies in addressing these threats indicates a recognition of the severity of the issue.

However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of the sources. The BDI is a non-partisan research initiative, which lends credibility to its findings, while the New York Times, as a major news outlet, typically adheres to journalistic standards. Both sources provide a factual basis for understanding the current landscape of political violence, though they may emphasize different aspects of the issue.

Conclusion

The claim that "political violence is surging in the U.S., threatening elected officials" is True. The significant increase in threats and harassment against local officials, coupled with alarming trends in politically motivated violence, confirms the seriousness of the situation. The data and reports from credible sources substantiate the assertion that political violence poses a real and growing threat to elected officials in the United States.

Fact Check: Political violence is surging in the U.S., threatening elected officials.