Rising political threats take US into uncharted territory as 2024 election looms

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI
Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — This week’s confrontation that ended with FBI agents fatally shooting a 74-year-old Utah man who threatened to assassinate President Joe Biden was just the latest example of how violent rhetoric has created a more perilous political environment across the U.S. Threats against public officials have been steadily climbing in recent years, creating new challenges for law enforcement, civil rights and the health of American democracy. Experts warn the escalating rhetoric could increase the risks of violence, especially as the 2024 election and former President Donald Trump’s multiple criminal trials draw closer. They say lone attackers acting impulsively, rather than mass violence such as the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, are the greatest worry.