Recent research has raised alarms about a disturbing rise in “assassination culture,” a phenomenon highlighted by the tragic assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. This incident occurred while he was engaging with students at Utah Valley University, underscoring the tangible dangers associated with political extremism. The Network Contagion Research Institute and the Rutgers University Social Perception Lab collaborated on an intelligence report observing that violent rhetoric, particularly advocating for the killing of billionaires, has permeated online discourse, especially among far-left groups. The report expressed concern over the normalization of political violence, particularly against prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, noting escalated advocacy for violence following high-profile assassination attempts, including one targeting Trump.
In the wake of Kirk’s assassination on September 10, 2025, the report outlined numerous incidents of targeted violence, reflecting a growing trend of extreme political acts. Specifically, the report references several violent episodes: the killing spree in a New York high-rise that resulted in multiple deaths, the attempted assassination of Donald Trump during a campaign rally, and the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, all culminating in a disconcerting narrative of political extremism. These violent acts appear to be symptomatic of an increasingly volatile political climate, where extreme actions are becoming more accepted, particularly among radical communities.
A troubling aspect of the report is that survey data revealed a significant portion of respondents, particularly those identifying as left of center, expressed justifications for violence against wealthy individuals. More than 30% overall indicated some level of justification for assassinating billionaires, with this figure escalating to 50% among left-leaning individuals. This acceptance of violence marks a concerning shift in public sentiment toward political discourse, illustrating the erosion of traditional democratic norms.
The report also drew attention to how social media and online platforms have exacerbated the spread of radical ideas and violent rhetoric, creating an environment where violent thoughts can proliferate without consequence. The normalization of phrases like “killing billionaires” as a meme aesthetic further illustrates how dangerous ideation is becoming integrated into political dialogue. Researchers noted the psychological red flags linked to these narratives and underlying ideologies, warning that this could result in more real-world violence as such attitudes gain traction.
Moreover, the case of Luigi Mangione, arrested for the murder of Brian Thompson, aligns with the troubling trends outlined in the report. His arrest has birthed a wave of internet support that trivializes the violence perpetrated, often cloaked in ironic discourse. Supporters have embraced a narrative that romanticizes his actions, signaling a dangerous merging of political allegiance and violence that cannot be ignored. The celebration of violent ideation as a means of achieving political ends presents significant risks not only to public figures but to societal norms at large.
In response to these alarming developments, authorities have ramped up security measures for public figures and critical business leaders, indicating an unsettling reality where threats to life have become commonplace. Researchers call on political and cultural leaders to publicly condemn violence and underscore the necessity for vigilance in monitoring these trends. The combined response from governmental and cultural institutions is crucial in dispelling the normalization of such hostility and restoring a sense of safety in public discourse. The findings underscore an urgent need to address the radicalization of political dialogue to protect democratic values and public safety.
