The Brian Lehrer Show Charlie Kirk's Killing and Political Violence in America
Sep 11, 2025
In this discussion, McKay Coppins, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author focused on American politics, delves into the troubling rise of political violence in the U.S. after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He examines the connection between gun violence and political intimidation, advocating for urgent policy reforms. The conversation also critiques the toxic rhetoric in politics and emphasizes the need for empathy and constructive dialogue to break the cycle of hostility, urging listeners to rethink civic engagement.
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Shift From Symbolic To Lethal Attacks
- Reuters found a sustained rise in ideologically motivated attacks since 2015 and especially since 2021.
- Unlike 1970s bombings, many modern incidents aim to kill and target people directly.
Political Violence Threatens Democracy
- McKay Coppins warns political violence is a symptom of a sick political culture and risks democratic breakdown.
- He stresses that violence begets more violence and undermines democratic dispute resolution.
Treat Political Violence As Gun Violence
- Kelly Drane connects political violence directly to gun access and rhetoric that evokes firearms.
- She recommends applying everyday gun-violence prevention policies to reduce politically motivated attacks.