Study Reveals Normalization of Political Violence, 'Assassination Culture'

A report by the Network Contagion Research Institute reveals a disturbing trend of 'assassination culture,' where violent political rhetoric, including calls for the murder of public figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, is increasingly normalized, particularly among the political left. The study links this shift to a viral wave of memes glorifying Luigi Mangione, who assassinated UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024, which has inspired copycat behavior targeting wealthy and conservative figures. According to the survey of over 1,200 U.S. adults, 38% and 31% of respondents justified the murder of Trump and Musk respectively, with these numbers rising significantly among left-leaning respondents. These findings highlight a troubling acceptance of political violence as a form of social justice, with memes and online discourse contributing to this normalization. The report underscores the seriousness of this shift, noting that what was once taboo is becoming culturally acceptable, posing significant implications for societal norms and political discourse.