Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania recently highlighted a concerning trend in political violence, pointing to a study that indicates left-wing terrorism has surged to a three-decade peak.
In a post on the social media platform X, Fetterman shared a screenshot of an Axios article titled Study: Left-wing terrorism climbs to 30-year high. He emphasized the universal wrongness of political violence and urged a collective effort to reduce heated rhetoric.
Unchecked extreme rhetoric, like labels as Hitler or fascist, will foment more extreme outcomes, Fetterman stated. Political violence is always wrong no exceptions. He further urged, We must all turn the temperature down.
According to Breitbart, the study in question was conducted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), which analyzed 750 domestic attacks and plots from January 1, 1994, to July 4, 2025. The findings revealed a notable shift: while far-right violence has historically been more prevalent, it has seen a significant decline in the first half of 2025.
Conversely, left-wing extremists have been responsible for over 40 attacks since 2016, compared to 152 by right-wing extremists during the same timeframe. The data also showed that left-wing violence has resulted in 13 deaths over the past decade, a stark contrast to the 112 fatalities from right-wing attacks and 82 from jihadist incidents.
Notably, this year alone has seen at least five left-wing plots or attacks, compared to just one from the right.
The study's release coincides with the tragic assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, during a student event at Utah Valley University. Utah Governor Spencer Cox disclosed that the rifle used by the alleged assassin bore bullet casings etched with messages such as, Hey fascist! Catch!
This incident has not deterred some Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, from continuing to label Trump administration officials, like Stephen Miller, as fascist.
This situation underscores the urgent need for a recalibration of political discourse. The rise in left-wing terrorism, as documented, calls for introspection and a commitment to civil dialogue.
The rhetoric of labeling opponents with extreme terms only serves to escalate tensions and potentially incite further violence. It is imperative that leaders across the political spectrum work towards fostering a more respectful and constructive political environment.
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