Extremism researchers express concern over increasing violent threats against public officials, evidenced by the fatal shooting of a man who had allegedly threatened President Joe Biden and other officials.
Background: Craig Robertson from Utah, who allegedly expressed violent intent against several Democratic politicians and officials online, was shot and killed by the FBI during an arrest attempt on Wednesday.
* Robertson’s threats, which included specific locations and graphic descriptions, indicated a substantial escalation in aggressive political rhetoric.
Trends and Statistics: The number of federal arrests over threats to public officials has been increasing over the past decade, from 38 in 2013 to 74 last year.
* Most encounters with the FBI tend to end nonviolently, often serving as a deterrent against such threats.
* Recent research reveals that around 75% of local public officials in San Diego reported receiving threats and harassment, with women experiencing such incidents disproportionately more than men.
Public and Political Responses: These trends are reportedly a result of the ease of making public threats via social media, an increased focus on domestic extremism by law enforcement, and the perceived normalization of violent rhetoric.
* Notably, major Republican figures are also frequently threatened by members of their party due to perceived betrayal of conservative principles.
* Despite these ongoing issues, some individuals, particularly supporters of former President Donald Trump, believe left-wing actors pose the greatest threat.
Concerns: There are concerns that violent language is becoming normalized in daily life, and there is fear for the safety of lower-profile public servants who lack robust protection measures.
* Violent threats tend to increase during crisis situations or major news events, potentially posing significant risks to public peace and safety.
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