Recent assassination attempts against U.S. political figures underscore a troubling rise in political violence, highlighting deepening divisions in American society. This violence is not random; it reflects systemic issues in leadership and increasing polarization.

Political violence often arises from failures in leadership and societal polarization. In the U.S., the combination of intense political divisions and liberal gun laws creates a volatile situation. The current climate, marked by poor leadership and extreme partisanship, exacerbates the risk of violence.

Polarization and Leadership Failures

President Joe Biden, who promised to heal America, has faced criticism for failing to bridge the growing divide between Republicans and Democrats. The hostility between these parties is stark: in 1994, only 21% of Republicans had a very unfavorable view of Democrats, and 17% of Democrats felt the same about Republicans. By 2022, these numbers had surged to 62% and 54%, respectively. This tripling of polarization over three decades is alarming.

Social media, with its amplifying effect, plays a significant role. Recent controversial posts by tech figures like Elon Musk, including a now-deleted tweet questioning why Kamala Harris hasn’t faced similar violence as Donald Trump, reflect and fuel this polarization. Although social media is not unique to the U.S., other countries don’t experience the same level of political violence.

The Role of Leadership

U.S. leaders, including Trump, Harris, and Biden, are criticized for failing to inspire unity. Trump, a convicted felon, and Harris, who has faced criticism for her policy positions, are often seen as divisive figures. Their rhetoric contributes to a climate where political opponents are seen not as rivals but as enemies.

In past decades, presidential candidates maintained a level of mutual respect, even in disagreement. Today’s extreme discourse—Trump labeling Harris as a Marxist and Harris calling Trump a dictator—creates a dangerous environment. Such rhetoric can incite supporters to take violent action, reflecting a broader problem of democratic decay.

The Path Forward

The U.S. faces a critical juncture. If political violence continues to escalate, it could lead to further instability. The attempted attacks on Trump, though not fatal, indicate a dangerous trend. If such violence becomes normalized, the consequences could be dire.

To address this crisis, American leaders must lead by example. They need to show that disagreement does not equate to hatred. Efforts like Biden’s recent gesture of wearing a Trump campaign hat to symbolize unity, though a step in the right direction, come too late and lack impact when leaders are actively campaigning.

The Need for Change

While gun control is a crucial aspect of preventing violence, deeper changes in leadership and discourse are essential. Leaders must prioritize unity and demonstrate a commitment to bridging divides. Without significant efforts to address the root causes of polarization and political violence, the situation may worsen.