Political violence threatens to intensify as the 2024 campaign heats up, experts on extremism warn

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The 2024 presidential campaign is heating up, and experts on extremism are sounding the alarm about the potential for increased political violence. This concern arises in the wake of incidents like the attack on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, where the assailant was influenced by right-wing conspiracy theories.

As the campaign gains momentum, conspiracy theories such as “Pizzagate,” QAnon, and “Stop the Steal” are gaining traction once again. These theories have been used to demonize Donald Trump’s opponents and are spreading as he seeks the 2024 Republican nomination.

Jacob Ware, a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, notes that these divisive ideologies are no longer confined to the fringes but have infiltrated American society on a massive scale.

One striking example of this phenomenon is the recent conviction of David DePape, who attacked Paul Pelosi, echoing QAnon beliefs. QAnon, which alleges a deep-state conspiracy, has grown from the fringes of the internet to mainstream Republican politics, with ties to incidents like the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.

Before QAnon, the debunked “Pizzagate” conspiracy theory gained traction, leading to violence, such as a man firing a rifle inside a Washington pizzeria.

In the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump has escalated his confrontational rhetoric, even making jokes about the attack on Paul Pelosi and suggesting the execution of retired Gen. Mark Milley for treason.

Threats against lawmakers and election officials are on the rise, crossing political divides. The spread of QAnon-inspired conspiracy theories continues despite Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.

Experts emphasize that conspiracy theories like QAnon are adaptive, evolving with current events. This adaptability makes it challenging to predict who may be mobilized by such theories.

DePape’s testimony revealed that his descent into right-wing conspiracy theories began with GamerGate, an online harassment campaign against feminists. This pattern of radicalization links various far-right conspiracy theories and highlights the need for a policy response to address online radicalization.

Lax content moderation on social media platforms and a growing industry profiting from conspiracy theories contribute to the problem, making harmful information more accessible.

Conspiracy theories are designed to be alluring, drawing susceptible individuals into a web of false beliefs. They provide scapegoats for troubles and a perceived moral mission to take action.

American election years often witness violence, whether in response to a candidate’s identity or election outcomes. Experts predict that 2024 will be no different, especially with Trump’s return to the ballot and ongoing legal battles.

To counter the potential for violence, experts urge Americans to reduce the intensity of political rhetoric and watch for signs of radicalization in loved ones. Addressing the issue as a public health concern is crucial, given the addictive nature of conspiracy theory consumption.

In summary, the 2024 campaign season brings concerns of escalating political violence fueled by conspiracy theories, demanding vigilance and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with extremism.

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More about 2024 Campaign Violence

• Council on Foreign Relations
• Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)
• GamerGate
• QAnon
• Pizzagate
• Capitol riot of January 6, 2021
• Donald Trump