The shooting death of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is the latest in a string of politically-charged violent incidents. In July, two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses were shot; one of the lawmakers, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, and her husband were killed. During the 2024 presidential election cycle, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt.

Grant Reeher, professor of political science, spoke with Spectrum News about the rise in political violence.

“I do think it's the case that this kind of political violence has been rising. I don't think there's any question about that. There's just been a number of shootings and attacks, attempted assassinations in recent years, and it really, to be honest, it reminds me in a way of the 1960s. And I think in each instance there's probably similar forces behind it,” says Reeher.

“We have, in this country, we have been increasing our level of political polarization for the last 40 or 50 years. ...I think now we're in a situation where everything in this country that happens, whether it's COVID or whether it's a shooting like this is going to be discussed and seen through those polarized lenses and unfortunately, that's where we are right now politically as a country,” Reeher says. “It's an unfortunate place that the country finds itself in. I hope we can find a way to turn the volume down.”

Watch the full interview via the Spectrum News website.