PALM BEACH, FLORIDA – The recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump brings into sharp focus the long-standing pattern of violence from the political left. While this incident has garnered significant attention, it fits within a broader history of leftist violence, a history that spans centuries and encompasses a range of movements, ideologies, and actions aimed at achieving political power through force and intimidation. From violent rhetoric to organized riots, from the radical actions of groups like Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) to individual actors attempting assassinations, this pattern underscores the lengths to which the left will go to silence opposition and impose its agenda.
The roots of political violence from the left run deep, and it is not a new phenomenon. The French Revolution in 1789 is a prime example of early left-wing violence. The revolutionaries, motivated by ideals of equality and justice, quickly descended into the Reign of Terror, where thousands were executed in the name of political purity. The guillotine became a symbol of leftist fanaticism, showing how quickly a movement supposedly based on justice could turn violent when power and control were at stake.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and leftist movements across the globe were often associated with violence and revolution. The Russian Revolution in 1917 is another key moment, where the Bolsheviks, under Vladimir Lenin, used violent tactics to overthrow the existing government and establish a communist regime. This was not an isolated event. Across the globe, leftist movements in countries like China, Cuba, and Vietnam also relied on violence to achieve their goals. The common thread in all these cases was the belief that violence was a legitimate means of achieving political power, and that any opposition, real or perceived, had to be crushed.
In the United States, we have seen numerous examples of leftist violence, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s. The Weather Underground, a radical left-wing group, carried out bombings and other acts of domestic terrorism in an effort to overthrow the U.S. government. Their actions were part of a broader pattern of leftist violence during this time, including riots and protests that frequently turned violent. These actions were justified by the perpetrators as necessary to combat what they saw as the oppressive forces of capitalism and imperialism.
Black Lives Matter, while ostensibly focused on addressing issues of racial inequality, has also been linked to violent actions. The summer of 2020 saw widespread rioting, looting, and arson in cities across the country, often justified as a response to police violence. However, much of the violence was directed not at the police, but at small businesses and local communities. Lives were lost, and billions of dollars in property damage occurred as BLM protests spiraled into chaos. This was not about achieving justice or reform, but rather about using fear and destruction to push a political agenda.
The media has played a significant role in normalizing and excusing this violence. Rather than condemning the actions of groups like Antifa and BLM, many in the media have downplayed or even celebrated their actions as part of a broader struggle for justice. The phrase “mostly peaceful protests” became a common refrain during the riots of 2020, even as cities burned and people were injured or killed. This is part of a broader trend where violence from the left is excused or ignored, while any violence or perceived threats from the right are magnified and condemned.
The recent assassination attempts on Donald Trump are perhaps the most alarming example of this pattern. In July, Trump was grazed by a bullet during a rally in Pennsylvania, and now, just weeks later, he has been targeted again while playing golf in Florida. These attacks are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader environment of political violence that has been brewing for years, fueled by the rhetoric of the left.
The suspect in the latest assassination attempt, Ryan Wesley Routh, was found to have connections to left-wing activism, including attending protests in Ukraine. While authorities are still investigating his motives, the fact that another attempt has been made on Trump’s life is deeply concerning. The media’s reaction has been predictable: downplaying the seriousness of the attack and focusing instead on the political implications for Trump’s campaign. This is in stark contrast to how any perceived threat against a Democratic politician would be treated, where the media would be quick to condemn the violence and demand immediate action.
Left-wing rhetoric has often embraced violence as a legitimate tool for achieving political change. The constant calls to “resist” Trump during his presidency, combined with the normalization of terms like “punch a Nazi,” have created a climate where violence against political opponents is seen as acceptable, or at least excusable. When political leaders, media figures, and activists use language that dehumanizes their opponents, it should come as no surprise when individuals take that rhetoric to its logical conclusion and attempt to use violence to silence those they disagree with.
Violence has long been a tool of the left. From the French Revolution to the Russian Revolution, from the Weather Underground to Antifa, leftist movements have used violence as a means of achieving political power. Today’s left is no different. Whether it is through riots, assaults, or even assassination attempts, the goal remains the same: silence opposition and impose their agenda through force. The recent attacks on Donald Trump are just the latest chapter in this long history of violence, and it is a stark reminder that we cannot expect anything less from the party of violence. As long as the left continues to embrace violence as a legitimate political tool, we can only expect more chaos, destruction, and attacks on our republic.
“The Don’t Unfriend Me Show” explores a broad range of political themes, from satire to serious topics, with Matt Speer, a Navy Intel veteran, husband, and father, leading the show. Matt shares his views to stimulate constructive discussions. The show aims to provide a balanced perspective on complex issues, welcoming participants of all political affiliations to share their unique viewpoints.