As the U.S. braces for the 2024 presidential election results, fear of potential riots looms large, regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris emerges victorious. This tense atmosphere recalls the 2021 Capitol Riots and is compounded by recent events, including assassination attempts on Trump and violent incidents at polling stations.
A significant poll by the Associated Press and the University of Chicago reveals that 20% of Americans support using violence to either restore Trump to power or prevent him from regaining office. This stark data prompted law enforcement across the nation to prepare for possible unrest. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart acknowledged the gravity of the situation, citing the unprecedented acceptance of political violence among the populace.
Recent weeks have seen arson attacks on ballot boxes, shootings at political offices, and physical threats to campaigners. These incidents, combined with the poll’s findings, led University of Chicago’s Robert Pape to warn of an impending “season of political violence,” urging police to be on high alert.
As voters flock to the polls, both sides of the political divide express concerns about post-election chaos. Authorities and experts alike stress the need for vigilance, anticipating turbulent times in the immediate aftermath of the election.
