Reuters: On The Rise Of Violent “Grab Bag” Extremism

Reuters reports:

Reuters recently documented the most sustained spate of political violence in the United States since a decade of upheaval that began in the late 1960s. To date, the news organization has identified at least 232 violent incidents fueled by political motives since the storming of the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, 2021. The events range from riots to brawls at political demonstrations to beatings and murders.

Of the 22 fatal incidents among the total tally, involving the deaths of 44 victims and 11 attackers, most were attributed to assailants who expressed beliefs associated with the extreme right, Reuters found. In 15 of those attacks, in which 38 victims and seven attackers died, the perpetrator had articulated far-right beliefs, many of them targeting racial, sexual or other minorities. Only one fatal incident was carried out by an assailant clearly identified with the left.

Read the full article. According to Reuters, these extremists have embraced “grab bag” ideology, taking their cues from Trump, prominent right wingers, chat rooms, and internet memes. Fascinating piece. No paywall.

U.S. political violence driven by new breed of ‘grab-bag’ extremists https://t.co/FFpwWf7f8B via @SpecialReports

— Jim Bourg (@jimbourg) November 15, 2023