On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Is there really a rise in left-wing political violence in America?
Sep 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Daniel Byman, a Georgetown University professor and terrorism expert, joins Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political science professor specializing in political violence. They explore alarming trends of politically motivated violence in America, highlighting that left-wing attacks may outnumber right-wing ones. Both experts discuss the rise in support for political violence, the role of leadership rhetoric, and the urgent need for counterterrorism measures. Their insights shed light on the complex dynamics driving these troubling developments.
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Different Patterns: Mass Attacks Vs Targeted Hits
- Right-wing terrorism historically produced mass-casualty attacks, while recent left-wing incidents tend to be targeted political elites.
- Byman notes targeted assassinations can have outsized political consequences despite lower body counts.
Prepare Early For Shifting Threats
- Do acknowledge emerging threats and prepare counterterrorism capabilities early before they become entrenched.
- Daniel Byman warns expertise and resources take time to build, so act during early trend changes.
The Era Of Violent Populism
- Robert Pape coins 'violent populism' as concurrent high political violence and high mass support for it across left and right.
- He links increased incidents since ~2016 with rising public approval for political violence.