Fetterman warns political rhetoric fuels violence amid left-wing terrorism surge
- A recent study revealed a 30-year high in left-wing terrorism in the U.S., with left-wing extremists responsible for 41 domestic attacks since 2016.
- Senator John Fetterman criticized Democrats for using extreme political rhetoric, claiming it fosters violence.
- Fetterman emphasized the need to reduce political tensions, stating that political violence is always wrong.
In the United States, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) shared a study from the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) indicating that left-wing terrorism has hit a 30-year high. This development was highlighted following a troubling incident involving the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, during a Q&A event. The studies released by CSIS illustrated a notable trend in domestic attacks and plots from January 1, 1994, to July 4, 2025, showing that left-wing extremists were responsible for 41 attacks while right-wing extremists accounted for 152 during the same time frame. Overall, left-wing violence has resulted in 13 deaths over the past decade, a stark contrast to the right-wing's 112 deaths and 82 from jihadist sources. Furthermore, in just the early months of 2025, at least five left-wing plots or attacks were already noted in the United States, compared to only one attributed to right-wing groups. Fetterman's concern is specifically aimed at the incendiary and divisive political rhetoric used by some Democrats, which he believes can exacerbate the risks of political violence. In his post on platform X, he referenced the usage of terms like "Hitler" and "fascist" in political discourse, asserting that such language fosters extreme outcomes. Fetterman emphasized the importance of cooling political tensions, stating that "political violence is always wrong — no exceptions," and urged for a collective effort to "turn the temperature down." The release of this study aligns with a significant uptick in violence and extremism within political realms and suggests a potential shift in the trends in domestic terrorism, highlighting the complexities surrounding political violence. The implications of this study, alongside the recent attacks, raise concerns regarding safety, security, and the future of political dialogue in the country. As political leaders navigate through this charged atmosphere, the actions and words of political representatives play a crucial role in shaping not just the narrative around extremism but also how supporters may respond. With calls for greater responsibility in rhetoric, the question remains how politicians will address their messaging at such a consequential juncture in American politics.