U.S. Faces Rising Threat of Domestic Political Violence, Experts Warn

A growing number of security experts and political figures are warning that the United States has entered a dangerous period where political violence is becoming an entrenched feature of the national landscape. The stark assessments point to a combination of extremist rhetoric, targeted attacks, and deep societal divisions as creating a volatile and potentially sustained threat.

Former FBI counterterrorism agent Erika Kirk stated that the political violence witnessed in recent years is not an aberration but a "new normal" that has "just started" [39981][26826]. This warning follows late 2025 incidents including the alleged assassination of commentator Charlie Kirk and coordinated attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices, which are seen as signals of a dangerous new phase [39981].

The mechanisms fueling this violence are increasingly digital. Federal investigators examining recent assassination attempts point to a rise in "stochastic terrorism," where mass communication is used to inspire individuals to carry out violent acts without direct orders [10840]. Online forums and social media platforms are cited as environments where followers are radicalized and feel justified in using violence, making it difficult for law enforcement to prevent "lone-wolf" attacks [10840].

Political rhetoric is also seen as a major accelerant. Senator Chris Murphy has accused former President Donald Trump of running a "deliberate campaign" to make violence more likely through inflammatory language [26140]. These tensions are further inflamed by incidents like protests targeting ICE agents, which Senator Eric Schmitt warned are creating a national "powder keg" [23637]. Some public figures have expressed extreme concern, with podcaster Joe Rogan suggesting the country is moving toward a potential civil war [3860].

While the threat is predominantly domestic, security officials also note that the terrorist threat from groups like the Islamic State (ISIS) remains, with the group vowing revenge for recent U.S. strikes [35547][38564]. However, the primary focus of warnings from former law enforcement is the internal stability of the nation.

The consensus among these experts is clear: the United States is navigating a period of exceptional risk where political conflict is spilling beyond debate into the realm of physical threat and intimidation, challenging the foundations of civil society.