The Rise of Assassination Culture: A Disturbing Trend in Political Violence

In recent months, researchers have raised alarms about a troubling phenomenon known as "assassination culture." This term encapsulates a growing acceptance of political violence, particularly among certain ideological groups. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University has brought this issue to the forefront of public discourse.

The Context of Political Violence

The Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) and the Rutgers University Social Perception Lab have collaborated on a report highlighting the normalization of political violence in America. Their findings suggest that acts of violence targeting prominent figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, are increasingly seen as acceptable, particularly among left-leaning individuals. The report cites a disturbing statistic: over 30% of respondents believed it would be "at least somewhat justified to murder" wealthy individuals, a figure that rises to 50% among those identifying as "left of center."

The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while addressing a crowd at a Turning Point USA event. The assailant, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, allegedly fired a single shot that struck Kirk in the neck, fatally wounding him. This incident occurred just weeks after federal prosecutors warned that Luigi Mangione, accused of a separate assassination, could inspire further political killings. Mangione’s case involved the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which was marked by similar ideological motivations.

The Role of Online Platforms

The NCRI-Rutgers study emphasizes the role of online platforms in spreading radical ideation. The researchers argue that these platforms contribute to an erosion of democratic norms, making political violence more acceptable in public discourse. The report highlights how references to figures like Mangione have become coded endorsements of violence, often cloaked in irony and meme culture.

Recent Incidents of Targeted Violence

The report outlines several recent incidents that illustrate this alarming trend:

• Charlie Kirk’s Assassination (Sept 10, 2025): Kirk was shot during a Turning Point USA event, leading to a nationwide conversation about the risks faced by public figures.

• Brian Thompson’s Murder (Dec 4, 2024): The UnitedHealthcare CEO was shot outside a hotel in Manhattan, with evidence suggesting that the assailant was motivated by anti-industry sentiments.

• Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump (July 13, 2024): During a campaign rally, a sniper fired multiple shots, resulting in the death of a firefighter and narrowly missing Trump himself.

These incidents collectively paint a picture of a society grappling with the implications of political violence.

The Psychological Landscape

The NCRI report also identifies psychological red flags among individuals who express support for political violence. The normalization of such attitudes poses a significant threat to public safety and democratic processes. The researchers call for political and cultural leaders to condemn this violence and to take proactive measures to address the underlying issues.

The Aftermath and Security Measures

In the wake of Kirk’s assassination, security measures have been heightened for public figures and business leaders. The NYPD has issued threat assessments indicating that these individuals may be at increased risk of assassination. The Trump administration has even requested nearly $60 million in additional funding for security measures across executive and judicial branches.

A Call for Awareness

As the discourse around political violence continues to evolve, it is crucial for society to engage in meaningful conversations about the implications of these trends. The NCRI and Rutgers report serves as a wake-up call, urging individuals and communities to reflect on the growing acceptability of violence in political discourse.

The tragic events surrounding Charlie Kirk’s assassination and other recent incidents underscore the urgent need for a collective response to this rising tide of violence.