As federal law enforcement agencies investigate the apparent attempted assassination of presidential candidate Donald J. Trump during a campaign appearance Saturday in Butler County, Pennsylvania, PRA encourages our supporters to speak out against political violence. We also call for vigilance against inevitable disinformation, potential retaliatory violence, and rising government repression of peaceful protest and dissent.
Initial reporting on violent events is frequently inaccurate and social media platforms generally amplify opportunistic disinformation. Conspiracy theories and calls for retribution are already proliferating in the wake of Saturday’s shooting incident. Exercise caution to avoid spreading unproven allegations and be alert for confirmation bias (in yourself as well as in others).
According to Reuters, political violence in the United States is at its highest level in a half century and, “In contrast to the 1970s, much of today’s political violence is aimed at people instead of property—and most of the recent deadly outbursts tracked by Reuters have come from the right.” As the risk of spiraling violence through the election season is high, it is critical that pro-democracy leaders from across the partisan and ideological spectrum categorically denounce political violence.
Historically, government responses to sensational acts of violence have involved the further militarization and securitization of civic and political spaces. PRA calls on our partners and supporters to take additional measures for the security of progressive leaders and organizations, vulnerable communities, and members of the press.
Finally, PRA encourages mindful, prudent, and—most importantly—robust engagement in civic and political life. Violence and fear must not be allowed to deter the people from the fullest exercise of their rights and their agency in determining how they will govern and be governed.