The apparent attempted murder over the weekend of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro with an arson attack is, unfortunately, only part of the wave of political violence sweeping over the country. Recent months have seen assassinations and attempted killings, attacks on political headquarters, arson against Tesla cars and dealers, and other acts that make it clear that some people have gone beyond hardened political hostilities to assaults on people and property. Worse, Americans—especially those on the political left—seem increasingly open to violence as a means of settling ideological disputes.
Political Violence Is 'Becoming Far Too Common'
"Last night we experienced an attack not just on our family but on the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania here at the governor's residence," Governor Shapiro, a Democrat, said after the governor's mansion in Harrisburg was set ablaze with Molotov cocktails. "We don't know the person's specific motive yet, but we do know a few truths. First, this type of violence is not okay. This kind of violence is becoming far too common in our society, and I don't give a damn if it's coming from one particular side or the other, directed at one particular party or another, or one particular person or another."
