Experts warn that fears typically rise after the election, especially once the results are announced, as reported by The Guardian.
“The strategic value of political violence will go up once there’s an initial winner,” said Robert Pape, director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats at the University of Chicago. “I would not say the left is totally off the hook, but it’s most dangerous on the right, simply because Trump did it before.”
And yet, some believe the violence thus far has come more from the left rather than the right.
“The political violence in this country is coming from the left and President Trump has nearly lost his life not once but twice because of it,” Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said, reported USA Today. “President Trump has been clear: we must have a free and fair election. That’s why the RNC and Team Trump are fighting to ensure a safe and secure election for ALL Americans, regardless if they’re Republican or Democrat.”
As reported by The Dallas Express, a USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll published on October 24 showed a concerning two-thirds of respondents expressed fears regarding the possibility of political violence occurring on or after Election Day.
Concerns are leading to proactive measures, with National Guard troops standing by in multiple states, including Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. This is a reaction to the damage or destruction of hundreds of ballots after at least three ballot drop boxes were set ablaze, according to CNN.
In a press release, Washinton Gov. Jay Inslee stated that “ some Washington National Guard members to be on stand-by in the event they are asked to support local law enforcement and the Washington State Patrol during election week. … The Guard will be on stand-by for four days, beginning Monday, November 4, and ending just after midnight on Thursday, November 7, 2024.”
Law enforcement officials throughout the nation are emphasizing their preparedness for Election Day and the days that follow, focusing on ensuring a balance between maintaining public safety and upholding the rights of citizens.
