Lawmakers flag domestic terror as top threat
Bipartisan lawmakers warned—particularly on the 9/11 anniversary and after Charlie Kirk’s assassination—that domestic terrorism now poses the greatest threat, citing a climate of violent rhetoric, cancelled events and security concerns, and some lawmakers linking border lapses to potential terrorist entry. Senators and figures like Bernie Sanders condemned the rise in political violence, while a CSIS report found left‑wing incidents in 2025 on pace to be the most violent in over 30 years, noting 750 U.S. terrorist incidents tracked between 1994 and July 2025 and, for the first time in decades, left‑wing attacks outnumbering far‑right ones.
📊 Analysis & Commentary (4)
"Damon Linker argues that the reaction to Charlie Kirk’s assassination reveals a dangerous feedback loop of political rhetoric and retaliation in the U.S., urging leaders to de-escalate and reaffirm liberal norms to halt a growing spiral of violence."
"The piece argues that the post‑assassination political climate resembles the post‑9/11 moment—calling for unity against violence but also risking overreach—and urges a cautious, evidence‑based response rather than sweeping crackdowns."
"A critical commentary arguing that recent spikes in politically motivated violence and the political/media reaction to them show the United States sliding toward 'third‑world' levels of disorder, matching reporting that lawmakers now see domestic terror as the nation's top threat."
"The piece is an opinion‑style critique of claims about 'elite organized rightist' violence, arguing such a phenomenon is poorly evidenced, that threat narratives are politicized, and pointing readers to data and definitional problems that complicate the claim."
📰 Sources (5)
- CSIS report finds 'the number of terrorist incidents involving left-wing extremists so far this year puts 2025 on pace to be the left’s most violent year in more than three decades.'
- CSIS tracked 750 terrorist incidents in the U.S. between 1994 and July 2025.
- For the first time in over 30 years, CSIS reports left-wing attacks and plots outnumber those from the far right (per the article).
- Sen. Bernie Sanders released a ~4.5-minute video condemning Charlie Kirk’s assassination as 'cowardice' and warning of a 'disturbing rise in political violence.'
- Sanders said political violence creates a chilling effect on public participation and called on 'every American' to condemn it.
- Key quotes emphasize that democracy requires people to 'speak out, organize and take part in public life without fear.'
- Adds bipartisan on‑camera reactions from senators: Josh Hawley (R‑Mo.) blaming a climate that dehumanizes opponents as 'Hitler,' Andy Kim (D‑N.J.) calling the moment 'terrifying' and citing a survey where over 50% call the other party 'the enemy,' Jeff Merkley (D‑Ore.) urging differences be settled by advocacy and voting, and Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑R.I.) stating violence has no place in discourse.
- Notes that some lawmakers have canceled public appearances due to safety fears following recent attacks.
- Lists recent incidents as context: Trump shooting in Butler, Pa., a later assassination attempt on Trump, an April arson attack targeting Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro, and June attacks on two Minnesota lawmakers and their families that left two dead.
- Frames Kirk’s campus style as engaging and respectful, underscoring the loss to civil debate.
- Bipartisan lawmakers say political discourse has reached a dangerous level after Kirk’s assassination.
- Specific quotes from Sens. Hawley, Kim, Merkley, and Whitehouse condemn violent rhetoric and political violence.
- Some lawmakers are canceling events over security concerns.
- Article catalogs recent high‑profile political violence incidents to contextualize concerns.
- No substantive new information; repeats that lawmakers see domestic terrorism as the greatest threat.
- Members of Congress warn domestic terror is top threat
- Comes amid heightened concerns after Kirk assassination
- Reps. Tim Burchett, Chip Roy, Jodey Arrington, Troy Nehls, Don Bacon, and Democrat Ritchie Torres emphasized heightened concern about domestic threats.
- Several lawmakers linked the climate of violence to Charlie Kirk’s assassination and warned that border security lapses may enable terrorist entry.