Following the events of the 2020 presidential election and the subsequent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, experts are cautioning that the specter of election-related chaos still looms large. Far-right networks that were involved in the Capitol riot have either disbanded, splintered, or retreated from public view, but the threat of political violence remains a concern as the November 5 election approaches.
Election officials are facing a barrage of threats, misinformation, and the potential disruption from 'election denialist' groups. Recent incidents, such as fires destroying hundreds of ballots in drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver, have raised alarm bells, with the FBI launching investigations into these incidents.
Extremism experts note that while public chatter among monitored extremists doesn't seem fixated on this year's election, the potential for threats in encrypted chats remains a concern. The spread of far-right conspiracy theories and the amplification of anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant rhetoric by political figures have galvanized extremists, leading to incidents like hoax bomb threats in Springfield, Ohio.
Trump and his allies have been accused of stoking racism and xenophobia at rallies, with Vice President Kamala Harris even labeling Trump as a fascist. The fear of violent attempts to overturn election results is shared by a significant portion of registered voters, according to a recent poll.
While some leaders of extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are serving prison terms, experts warn that the void left by their absence could potentially lead to mobilization post-election. The government's response to the Capitol riot has dampened militia activities, although the threat of their resurgence remains.
QAnon followers, who were prominent among the Capitol rioters, have faced crackdowns on mainstream social media platforms, prompting a shift to alternative platforms. Experts emphasize that the anger and grievance among QAnon adherents make them a continued concern for potential violence.
In conclusion, the persistent threat of political violence in the lead-up to the election underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard the democratic process.
