Researchers are raising alarms about a disturbing trend they describe as an “assassination culture.” This came into sharper focus recently—especially after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at an event in Utah, where he was shot in front of a large audience.
A recent report from the Network Contagion Research Institute and the Rutgers University Social Perception Lab indicates that there’s a concerning normalization of political violence, particularly aimed at figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk. They noted that hostility directed towards these individuals has been rising, creating a troubling environment in which violence seems more accepted.
In light of Kirk’s assassination, the researchers pointed out how political violence might now be perceived as something justifiable by some segments of society. They suggested that following significant events, like Trump’s earlier rally incidents, there’s been a notable increase in both acceptance and defense of such violence across the political spectrum.
Interestingly, even as law enforcement warns business figures about heightened risks of targeted attacks, legal troubles are affecting others, like Luigi Mangione, whose terrorism charges have been dropped, suggesting a complicated landscape regarding public safety and political discourse.
The report highlighted alarming statistics, such as over 30% of those surveyed finding assassination justification, with support increasing among certain groups. This environment makes for unsettling discourse around targeted violence.
Recent events further illustrate this trend. For example, on September 10, 2025, Kirk was shot during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who allegedly committed the act. Just weeks prior, another violent incident in Manhattan left multiple people dead, highlighting an unsettling pattern. And prior to Kirk’s death, the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December raised further concerns about escalating violence against public figures.
The implications of these events extend beyond individual tragedies. They speak to a broader anxiety about political communication in the U.S. and how societal norms are evolving—or devolving, depending on one’s perspective. Researchers assert that these trends should be taken seriously, calling for a collective response from cultural and political leaders to actively denounce violence and promote a more civil discourse.
