Concerns Rise Over Violence Ahead of US Elections
As the United States approaches the presidential election on November 5, 2024, fears of political violence are escalating. Experts warn that the current political climate, reminiscent of the turmoil following the 2020 election, could lead to unrest. Both Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican incumbent Donald Trump have been actively campaigning in key swing states, with Wisconsin being a focal point. Recent polls indicate a tight race, with Trump leading Harris by three percentage points in the state, which is crucial for both candidates.
In a recent rally in Milwaukee, Trump criticized the state of the economy, citing a disappointing job growth report from the Department of Labor. He expressed skepticism about Harris's capability to handle negotiations with global powers, claiming, "Our country is going to hell, but we're going to fix it very quickly." Meanwhile, Harris emphasized her commitment to fulfilling her election promises and expressed a willingness to include Republicans in her administration if elected. The political divide remains stark, with the suburbs leaning Republican and the city of Milwaukee heavily Democratic.
Online Rhetoric and Real-World Violence
The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism has reported a significant increase in violent rhetoric on fringe online platforms leading up to the election. In October, violent statements on Telegram surged by 317 percent compared to previous months, with a staggering increase of 1,628 percent in the week leading up to election day. Experts attribute this rise to the spread of disinformation, particularly claims regarding illegal voting by undocumented immigrants—a narrative that resonates strongly within far-right circles.
Public sentiment reflects these concerns, with a recent Axios survey revealing that 62 percent of Americans believe violence related to the election is likely. Incidents of politically motivated violence have already occurred, including threats against both candidates and attacks on election workers. As early voting continues, the potential for unrest looms large, with experts predicting that regardless of the election outcome, a significant portion of the population may not accept the results, further exacerbating the political crisis in the country.
