Kathmandu. Once considered the most stable in the world, American politics has been rocked by a wave of violence in recent years.
After the September 10 killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, the US government took immediate steps to overhaul security. The Trump administration has asked Congress for an emergency budget of $58 million to protect Supreme Court justices and other federal officials.
Increasing threats and unprecedented pressure on security
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U.S. officials say the rise in political violence has put unprecedented pressure on security. According to the US Capitol Police, there were 9,000 threats against lawmakers in 2024, which is expected to increase to 14,000 by the end of 2025. This has forced the security agencies to remain on high alert.
In the last 1 year, MPs have started canceling public events and more arrangements have been made to protect their homes. In the first six months of 2025 alone, politically motivated violence increased more than double compared to the same period last year, according to the study.
Complex causes and warning of ‘destructive cycle’
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Experts say this rise in political violence is not just a single phenomenon, but the result of a complex mix of social, economic and technological factors. Experts say economic insecurity, social inequality, and hostility on social media have fuelled this cycle. Investigators warn that the murder of Charlie Kirk could perpetuate the cycle and lead to more unrest in the country.
In particular, online conspiracy theories spread by unruly tech platforms are believed to have played an important role in radicalizing the public. Experts conclude that this cycle cannot be broken without controlling it.
Political divisions and challenges
To address the crisis, political leaders on both sides have stressed the need not to normalise violence and work collectively. But the current polarized political climate in the United States and the legal impasse over issues such as gun control and technology regulation pose a major challenge to effective solutions.
The increased investment in security and the budget demanded by the US government shows how dangerous the country’s democracy is right now. The security crisis calls for a comprehensive strategy to protect US officials and restore decorum to public life.
