Key Takeaways:
- A rising number of elected officials are facing threats and violence.
- Many lawmakers say they fear for their safety and their families’ lives.
- Political rhetoric and online harassment are fueling the rise in violence.
- Some officials are reconsidering careers in public service due to safety concerns.
For the past few years, being an elected official in the U.S. has become increasingly dangerous. Lawmakers from both political parties are facing death threats, harassment, and even violent attacks. This growing trend has left many questioning whether public service is worth the risk.
One such official is Sadaf Jaffer, a Democrat from New Jersey. Jaffer, the nation’s first female Muslim mayor, rose to prominence as a political star in 2023. However, constant harassment about her religion and fears for her family’s safety led her to decide not to seek reelection.
“I was concerned about my family,” Jaffer said. “They didn’t sign up for this. I didn’t want to put them in harm’s way.”
Sadly, Jaffer’s story is not unique. The recent assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and the wounding of her husband has shocked lawmakers across the country. Another state senator and his wife were also attacked. These incidents have made many officials rethink their safety and question whether they are safe in their jobs.
Death Threats and Violence: A New Normal?
In recent years, the number of threats against public officials has skyrocketed. Michigan Democratic Rep. Laurie Pohutsky has faced multiple death threats since 2020. In one chilling incident, a stranger showed up at her home demanding to know when she would return.
Pohutsky said, “I have certainly thought about the possibility of being killed doing this job, but what really scared me was the thought of someone harming my family.”
Lawmakers in both parties agree that political rhetoric has become increasingly heated. Politicians often describe their opponents not just as wrong on policies, but as enemies. This kind of language can embolden extremists to commit violence.
Security Gaps in State Capitols
Many state capitols have security gaps, leaving lawmakers vulnerable. Some states are now discussing whether to make home addresses of officials private to protect them. For example, Oregon recently passed a bill making it harder for the public to access lawmakers’ addresses. New Jersey also tried to pass a similar law, but it was vetoed.
Lawmakers are also reviewing their security protocols. However, elected leaders say there are no easy solutions. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina said, “These threats of violence are worse than ever. It’s another reason people might decide not to run for office.”
Rising Threats and the Cost of Public Service
The Brennan Center for Justice reported that nearly 90% of state lawmakers faced demeaning or derogatory comments during their current term. More than 40% reported harassment or threats. Women and people of color are disproportionately targeted.
The threat of violence has changed how officials interact with the public. Many are now more careful about what they share online, like photos of their families or personal updates.
Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, said, “The goal of this violence is to stop good people from running for office. It’s a tough reality, but we have to talk about it.”
The Role of Hostile Rhetoric
Experts say that hostile political rhetoric is partly to blame for the rise in violence. Words matter, and politicians who dehumanize their opponents can fuel extremist actions.
Michigan Rep. Laurie Pohutsky noted, “If you convince people that someone is evil or harming others, it’s easier to incite violence against them.”
Jake Harriman, a veteran and founder of More Perfect Union, said he’s shocked by the level of hatred in American politics. He compared it to what he saw in war zones. “Americans are dehumanizing each other in ways I only saw in conflict areas,” he said.
What’s Next?
In the wake of these incidents, some lawmakers are calling for change. Oregon Sen. Jeff Golden vowed to focus on policies rather than attacking opponents. “I don’t want to cross the line and contribute to this toxic climate,” he said.
Others are pushing for better security measures, such as funding protection for local officials who can’t afford it.
At the same time, balancing security with transparency remains a challenge. Lawmakers like Jaffer argue that protecting officials’ privacy is crucial, but it’s hard to do without limiting freedom of speech.
Conclusion
The rise in violence against lawmakers is a stark reminder of the risks of public service. Many officials are asking whether the job is worth the danger. As one lawmaker put it, “People treat death threats as normal until someone is killed. It’s an impossible position.”
Unless something changes, the fear of violence could scare good people away from politics, leaving the door open for extremists to take over. The path forward is unclear, but one thing is certain: the safety of public officials must be a top priority.
The question now is, what will it take to make that happen?
This article was written using publicly available information and does not cite specific sources.