Political Violence in America: Where Do We Go From Here?

Political violence in America has escalated in recent years, with high-profile incidents underscoring deepening polarization. The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the killing of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman (and her husband), and multiple attempts on President Donald Trump highlight how political motivations increasingly drive violent acts. Each event has been followed by more partisan narratives, which further inflame divisions and obscure facts. As violence increasingly becomes a feature of politics, society faces pressing questions about how to reduce hostility, rebuild trust, and safeguard democratic life.

• What factors do you think have contributed most to the recent rise in political violence?
• In what ways does political rhetoric — both online and offline — fuel or restrain acts of violence?
• What responsibilities do political leaders, media outlets, and everyday citizens share in reducing the risk of politically motivated violence?
• How safe would you feel attending a political event? Has that feeling changed in recent years?
• Looking forward, what steps can we take to rebuild trust and reduce the likelihood of political disagreements escalating into violence?

Charlie Kirk Killing Lays Bare America’s Bloody and Broken Politics https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2z9z4m22ro

Experts Warn U.S. Entering Dangerous Era of Political Violence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSUztp-xj-M
**********************************************************************************************
In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide breakout rooms at 8pm as follows:
“Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat