**Threats Against Republican Lawmaker Illustrate Rising Political Violence**
In an alarming display of political hostility, Congressman Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., reverberates a chilling reality faced by many Republicans in Congress today: the increasing threats of violence against them and their families.
Responding to a credible threat against his loved ones, including his wife, children, and grandchildren, Van Orden conveyed a firm message to assailants: “You will not intimidate me.”
The Wisconsin representative’s experience comes amid a disturbing trend noted by the U.S. Capitol Police, indicating a significant rise in threats against members of Congress. In 2024, the Capitol Police's Threat Assessment Section documented nearly 10,000 cases, a figure that underscores the alarming and toxic environment permeating American politics.
This latest threat forced Van Orden to forgo a scheduled online town hall session and abandon several crucial votes, prioritizing the safety of his family due to the specific nature of the threat. Representative Bryan Steil, also from Wisconsin, verified that both local and federal law enforcement—including the FBI and Capitol Police—are actively investigating the situation.
“If this is what we have come to as a nation, it is incredibly troubling,” Van Orden remarked during an interview. He lamented that threats against him have increased since his time as a Navy SEAL, where he faced actual combat scenarios. “And it’s because I’m a Republican in Congress, that’s why,” he added, emphasizing the escalating peril faced by conservatives.
Recently, political rhetoric has intensified, particularly among leftist leaders. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has recently called for mass protests and mobilization against Republicans, a sentiment echoed by other prominent Democrats who have stoked tensions in their pursuit of power.
As President Trump reclaims the presidency, this culture of intimidation appears to be part of a broader strategy by the left to undermine Republican efforts and stifle dissenting viewpoints. In fact, a study from the Network of Contagion Research Institute indicated that 55% of self-identified leftists believe violence against Trump is at least somewhat justifiable, an unsettling statistic that reflects the deranged mindset of a faction of the Democratic base.
Van Orden criticized the previous administration's handling of domestic terrorism threats, asserting that the FBI had been more focused on silencing conservative voices rather than actively preventing real threats to elected officials and their families.
This environment of fear should raise alarms for all Americans regardless of political affiliation. The threats against Congressman Van Orden underscore the urgent need for all sides to de-escalate their rhetoric and disavow violence. As the nation watches, it is crucial that lawmakers prioritize the safety of not only their families but also the democratic institutions at the heart of American governance.
In light of current events, it is evident that protecting our elected officials—particularly those from the Republican party—should be a collective responsibility shared across the political spectrum. As the toxicity of the current political climate escalates, the need for unity in denouncing threats and violence cannot be overstated.
Sources:
thefederalist.cominfowars.comfreebeacon.com