Fact Check: Threats against politicians have surged in recent years, authorities warn.

Fact Check: "Threats against politicians have surged in recent years, authorities warn."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate a significant increase in threats against public officials in the United States. A comprehensive review of federal data covering the past decade reveals that the average number of federal charges for threats against public officials rose from 38 per year between 2013 and 2016 to 62 per year from 2017 to 2022 (Rising Threats to Public Officials). Furthermore, preliminary data from 2023 and 2024 suggests that federal prosecutions for such threats are on track to reach record highs (Rising Threats to Public Officials).

The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) reported that their Threat Assessment Section investigated 9,474 concerning statements and direct threats against members of Congress in 2024, marking an increase from 8,008 in 2023 (USCP Threat Assessment Cases for 2024). This trend aligns with observations from various studies indicating that threats against public officials are rising due to increased political polarization and heated rhetoric in the political landscape (Steady Rise in Threats Against Public Officials, Violent threats against officials are rising. Here's why).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of a surge in threats against politicians is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The report by Simi et al. highlights a clear upward trend in the number of threats, particularly ideologically motivated ones, which have nearly doubled in the last six years compared to the previous four (Rising Threats to Public Officials). This increase is corroborated by the USCP's data, which shows a consistent rise in threat investigations over the past several years, particularly during election cycles when political tensions are heightened (USCP Threat Assessment Cases for 2024).

Moreover, a 2023 report from the Brennan Center found that 75% of public officials surveyed felt that threats had increased, with one-third reporting personal experiences of abuse or harassment related to their roles (Rising Threats to Public Officials). This qualitative data underscores the quantitative findings and suggests that the perception of threat is widespread among those in public office.

While some sources may exhibit bias, such as those with specific political affiliations, the data from federal law enforcement agencies and independent studies provide a reliable foundation for understanding the current threat landscape. The consistent findings across various reports strengthen the validity of the claim that threats against politicians have surged in recent years.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the assertion that threats against politicians have surged in recent years. Data from federal prosecutions, investigations by the USCP, and surveys of public officials all indicate a significant increase in threats, particularly in the context of heightened political polarization and election-related tensions.

Fact Check: Threats against politicians have surged in recent years, authorities warn.