Political Violence in the U.S.: Rising Threats and Impact

Political violence and threats against U.S. officials have surged, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighting an assassination attempt against him just after taking office. During the State Department’s Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism, Bessent emphasized that a left-wing activist targeted him hours after his confirmation.

Bessent’s case involves Ryan Michael English, who pleaded guilty to federal charges for attempting violence against Bessent at the Capitol on the day of his confirmation. English planned to attack with Molotov cocktails and a knife but surrendered to Capitol Police.

Efforts to Combat Political Terrorism Financing

The Treasury Department is expanding initiatives to track charities and nonprofits allegedly funding political terrorism. At President Trump’s direction, the department will scrutinize tax-exempt organizations for misuse in illicit finance and foreign influence.

Assassination Plot Details

The plot against Bessent began on January 27, 2025. English, 24, aimed to assault Bessent at the Capitol carrying dangerous weapons. After admitting his intention to Capitol Police, officers apprehended him with Molotov cocktails and a knife.

English pleaded guilty in March 2026 and awaits sentencing in August.

Rising Political Violence in the U.S.

Since 2020, political violence against public figures has risen significantly, with researchers noting increased threats to officials, judges, and election workers. Nearly 90% of state legislators reported threats or attacks from 2021 to 2024, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

The U.S. Marshals Service recorded 564 threats against federal judges last fiscal year, up from 509. Supreme Court threats are projected to rise further, according to Justice Elena Kagan.

Capitol Police highlight the persistent threat to Congress members since the January 6 Capitol incident.

Wide-ranging Motivations and Incidents

Political violence involves multiple ideologies. Studies indicate far-right extremists account for many deadly attacks, while other plots involve anti-government and left-wing actors.

State Representative Laurie Pohutsky experiences severe threats annually, affecting her political decisions. Senator Erin Maye Quade, on a ‘hit list’, highlights the risk to legislators’ families from violence, as experienced with the violent incidents in Minnesota.

Factors like political polarization, misinformation, hostile rhetoric, and declining institutional trust contribute to increased political violence, with young Americans feeling systemic change requires drastic action.

Assassination Attempts on Trump

In 2024, Donald Trump faced two assassination attempts during his campaign. In Butler, Pennsylvania, an attacker shot Trump from a rooftop, injuring him and killing a rally attendee. Another incident at his Florida golf course led to charges against a suspect who targeted Trump.

Judiciary and Other Officials Targeted

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett encountered a swatting attack at her home, reflecting the growing security threats against the judiciary. Swatting, unwanted pizza deliveries, and false bomb threats targeted her and her family.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg suffered a false CPS report leading to a family investigation. The false report represented a new form of intimidation against political figures, extending to family members.

Minnesota Lawmaker Violence

In June 2025, Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in Minnesota artillery disputes. Laurence Boelter, disguised as law enforcement, committed the politically motivated attacks, also injuring another lawmaker’s family.

Security Concerns Widespread

Such incidents underscore ongoing security challenges for public figures and highlight increasing political divisions fueling violence.