“The Increasing Concern of the Left’s Persistent Advocacy for Violence”

On July 13, 2024, a significant event unfolded that will be etched in people’s memory for years to come. It was the day when a troubled individual attempted to harm then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. Thankfully, their attempt fell short of claiming the life of President Trump but tragically resulted in the injury of two individuals and the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore, a true hero who sacrificed himself to protect his family.

During the incident, my wife and I were having our usual Saturday lunch at the lodge. A fellow diner at the neighboring table glanced at me and remarked, “Well, Trump just secured the election.” This moment created a lasting impression in our minds, reminiscent of impactful political scenes like Ronald Reagan’s famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate demanding, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”

However, what is particularly concerning is the emergence of a culture of violence and assassination fantasies within certain factions of the left. An editorial from Issues & Insights highlights some troubling instances that underscore this disturbing trend.

According to a Rutgers Social Perception Lab-Network Contagion Research Institute brief, 55.2% of Americans on the left “reported that if someone murdered Donald Trump, they would be at least somewhat justified.” Overall, 38.5% hold the same belief.

Trump, who has survived a pair of assassination attempts (one of which was celebrated), is not the only legitimate target, say many Americans. The data show that nearly half, 48.6%, say murdering Elon Musk would be justified.

It turns out that there has also been a shocking show of support for Luigi Mangione, who has been charged with murdering UnitedHealth Chief Executive Officer Brian Thompson. In addition, Mangione has a health care ballot initiative named after him in California.

The report’s authors say, “support for political violence – including property destruction and assassination – is not expressed in isolation, but as part of a tightly interconnected belief system.”

The I&I editorial board goes on, with quotes from people who command some influence with the left:

It’s an effort to dehumanize him, which is a tacit approval for violent behavior. To this end, various playactors, politicians, and grifters have:

• Wanted to punch Trump in the face (Robert DeNiro) 
• Wished they could “take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him” (Joe Biden)
• Wondered when “was the last time an actor assassinated a president” (Johnny Depp)
• Asked “where is John Wilkes Booth when you need him?” (actress Carole Cook), 
• Said the “donor class” is “still going to have go out and put a bullet in Donald Trump” (Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project),
• “Thought an awful lot about blowing up the White House” (Madonna)
• Felt inspired to “go and take out Trump tonight” (Rep. Maxine Waters)
• Wished publicly that “somebody would kill Donald Trump” (academic and New York Times columnist John McWhorter)
• Hoped that “maybe Donald Trump will go away. Maybe he’ll go to jail. Maybe he will die” (former Biden press secretary and current MSNBC misinformer Jen Psaki)

Where is this all headed?