From Charlottesville to January 6th: When Political Rhetoric Becomes Political Violence

Political violence doesn’t erupt out of nowhere. It begins with words — words designed to divide, inflame, and dehumanize.

From Charlottesville to January 6th: When Political Rhetoric Becomes Political Violence

From the torchlit chants in Charlottesville to the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, the through-line is unmistakable: rhetoric that blurs the line between political disagreement and moral warfare.

What starts as “us vs. them” ends as “us or them.”

The Power of the Word “Enemy”

Fascist movements have always relied on language that transforms opponents into existential threats. Mussolini labeled dissenters “parasites.” Hitler called Jews and socialists “vermin.” Franco’s Spain spoke of “cleansing” the nation of impure elements.

Once people are cast as enemies of the nation, violence against them becomes not just acceptable — it becomes patriotic.

Trump borrowed directly from that tradition. “The media is the enemy of the people.” “Democrats hate America.” “Immigrants…