It’s time to deploy the “Presidents Club” in the fight against political violence

Over the last year, I have heard a version of the same concern from multiple current and former high-level U.S. government officials: “There is something very bad going on just beneath the surface of our nation. I have a growing sense of foreboding.”

While time can play tricks on the mind, it has only been seven months since the targeted assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. I’m afraid that despicable act of political violence was cheered by thousands of our fellow Americans in posts online in the hours and days to follow. Many of those abhorrent remarks came from the “professional” class, including healthcare workers, academics and members of the media, who criticized Kirk for voicing what they deemed unacceptable opinions.

Since when did the execution of a young man in broad daylight for espousing different views become acceptable to so many in our nation?   

Or take the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, “gunned down in cold blood as he walked down a street in midtown Manhattan.” There has been a widespread outpouring of support for shooter Luigi Mangione, who has been lionized as some sort of modern-day Robin Hood fighting against corporate greed. How did we get to a place where so many can rationalize or even take joy from such an obscenity?

Last week’s attempted assassination of President Trump and other high-level U.S. government officials at the White House........

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