In the United States, elected officials at all levels of government are increasingly facing a surge of violent threats, creating a climate of fear and disruption both professionally and personally. Over the past two years, from 2024 through August 2026, thousands of public servants—including governors, members of Congress, and local officials—have been targeted by threatening messages, according to an analysis of public records, law enforcement logs, and interviews with those affected.
The threats, often graphic and harrowing, include mentions of torture, murder, and attacks on officials’ families. They span the political spectrum, targeting Republicans and Democrats alike, as well as public servants ranging from county clerks to United States senators. Among those affected are at least 44 governors, 70 senators, nearly half of the House of Representatives, and more than half of the nation's secretaries of state, many of whom oversee elections.
Actual violence has also risen during this period. Incidents include assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, the assassination of a Minnesota legislative leader and her husband, and the firebombing of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence. These events reflect growing concerns about the corrosive impact of violent rhetoric on democratic institutions.
The personal toll on officials is significant. Many have bolstered home security with cameras, hired private guards, and altered their daily lives to protect themselves and their families. Representative Derrick Van Orden, a Republican from Wisconsin and former Navy SEAL, described relocating his family and traveling with armed security after credible death threats prompted FBI investigations. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he considered resigning following the assassination of two close friends who were legislators, and noted the difficulty in protecting part-time state lawmakers who return home to ordinary civilian lives.
Threats against family members are particularly troubling. Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan recounted security threats directed at her aging, ill father, including a “swatting” incident where police were falsely called to his home. Such intimidation often discourages officeholders from continuing public service and complicates recruitment, particularly among women. State legislators and party leaders have noted that many potential candidates hesitate or decline to run because of the risks to themselves and their loved ones.
The political landscape and anonymous online platforms have contributed to the escalation. Polarization, skepticism toward government effectiveness, and inflammatory rhetoric from both major parties fuel an environment where violent threats proliferate. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Republican House member from Georgia, experienced threats from both political sides after breaking with former President Trump, ultimately deciding not to seek reelection due in part to threats against her children.
Law enforcement faces challenges in addressing these threats. Despite thousands of incidents, relatively few individuals have been charged, owing to legal difficulties in prosecution, the anonymity of offenders, and resource constraints. Meanwhile, campaign spending on security has soared, rising from approximately $6 million in the 2017-18 cycle to at least $25 million by August 2026 in the current midterm cycle, excluding personal expenditures by officials.
As violent threats against public officials continue to intensify, the effects ripple beyond individual victims, raising questions about the broader implications for civic participation and democratic governance in the United States.