Since 2017, high profile attacks on Republican and conservative politicians have made headlines, despite some saying political violence is the exclusive domain of conservatives.
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk largely drew swift condemnation across the political spectrum. However, some media voices such as comedian Jimmy Kimmel and former MSNBC pundit Matthew Dowd worked overtime in separate attempts to either blame conservatives for murdering one of their own, or in the case of Dowd arguing Kirk should have expected such dire consequences for his beliefs.
While Kirk’s murder has resurfaced the national conversation of political violence, the left insists it is only a problem on the right, mostly citing January 6, 2021. Additionally, a recent analysis of crime statistics indicates the Anti-Defamation Lague’s data on political violence cited by The Washington Post is grossly inaccurate and unfairly skews the information against conservatives, saying ADL’s methodology assigns a political motive to right-wing perpetrators regardless of the nature of the crime, which were not always ideologically related. Recent trends show a marked increase in high profile violent crime against conservative targets.
Congressional Baseball Practice Shooting
On June 14, 2017, in Alexandria, Virginia, James Hodgkinson, a 66-year-old man with a history of anti-Republican views, opened fire on Republican members of Congress practicing for the annual charity baseball game. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise was critically wounded, along with several others including aides and Capitol Police officers. Hodgkinson, who had posted angry messages about GOP policies, died shortly after the shooting in the hospital after being shot by police.
The attack was widely condemned as a politically motivated act of domestic terrorism. It heightened security concerns for lawmakers and underscored the growing risks of political polarization turning violent. Law enforcement investigations revealed that Hodgkinson had conducted online research and surveillance of the practice field prior to the attack, indicating premeditation. In the aftermath, lawmakers emphasized the dangers of extreme political rhetoric and the need for civility in public discourse. The incident prompted increased security measures for congressional events and reinforced national discussions about domestic extremism and the growing threat of politically motivated violence in the United States.
Earlier this year, a congressional report on the shooting concluded the FBI badly mishandled the investigation, “downplaying [Hodgkinson]’s anti-GOP motives.”
Attack on ICE Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington
In July 2019, 69-year-old activist Willem Van Spronsen attacked the Tacoma, Washington ICE detention center. Armed with a rifle and incendiary devices, he attempted to ignite a propane tank and set vehicles on fire. Police responded quickly and fatally shot him. Van Spronsen, who left behind a manifesto denouncing U.S. immigration policies, was linked to anarchist and anti-fascist circles. The incident was condemned across the political spectrum as an act of extremist violence.
Attempted Burning of Portland Federal Courthouse
During the Portland protests of summer 2020, demonstrators repeatedly targeted the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse downtown. Some rioters attempted to set fires inside and around the building, hurling incendiary devices, fireworks, and other projectiles at federal officers guarding it. Windows were smashed and the courthouse was heavily vandalized. Federal authorities labeled it an attempted arson attack on federal property, while critics argued the government’s strong law-enforcement response escalated tensions during the wider racial justice protests. Federal officers used video posted online of individuals attacking the courthouse to identify and arrest Kevin Benjamin Weir.
Attempted Assassination of Justice Kavanaugh
In June 2022, law enforcement thwarted a potential attack on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh at his Maryland residence. Authorities arrested 26-year-old Nicholas Roske, who had armed himself with a handgun, a knife, pepper spray, and burglary tools, suggesting premeditation. Remarkably, the suspect had called 911 on himself, claiming he planned to target Kavanaugh due to anger over the Supreme Court’s potential rulings on abortion and broader concerns about gun violence.
Investigators found evidence that the man had conducted surveillance around Kavanaugh’s home and had detailed plans for the attack, elevating the incident to an attempted assassination rather than a random threat. Federal prosecutors subsequently charged him with attempted assassination of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice, a rare and serious offense under federal law.
Prosecutors have recently asked for a 30-year sentence for Roske, who now identifies as a woman.
The incident drew national attention because it underscored the growing risks faced by Supreme Court justices amid highly polarized political debates. Kavanaugh, who has been a target of threats since his controversial confirmation hearings in 2018, had previously voiced concerns about personal security and harassment directed at him and his family.
