Washington, D.C. – Following the 34 felony guilty verdicts against former President Donald Trump on charges related to the falsification of business records for hush money payments, a disturbing wave of violent rhetoric has emerged. This rhetoric is predominantly aimed at the prosecutors, judge, and jurors involved in the case. Social media posts containing violent threats have targeted New York Judge Juan Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and even ordinary jurors who unanimously agreed on Trump’s guilt.
Advance Democracy, a nonprofit organization specializing in public interest research, has noted a significant increase in online posts featuring violent rhetoric. These threats have surfaced on websites commonly used by Trump supporters to organize violent activities, particularly leading up to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The posts now echo Trump’s false claims regarding the hush money trial, alleging that the judicial system is “rigged” against him.
Messages advocating for the identification and targeting of jurors have circulated on various online platforms used by Trump supporters. Some users have gone as far as suggesting harm against jurors and calling for violent action as a form of retribution. Additionally, far-right groups like the Proud Boys have joined in with menacing statements and calls for action, further escalating concerns about potential violence.
The pattern of online threats and attacks following legal proceedings involving Trump is not new. Trump’s incendiary posts on his Truth Social platform targeting individuals involved in his legal cases have often incited violent reactions from his supporters. The intensity of these threats has only increased following Trump’s guilty verdict, prompting concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for further violence.
Daniel J. Jones, President of Advance Democracy, has called attention to the dangerous impact of disinformation spread by Trump and his allies. As online activity escalates in response to the guilty verdict, there is a growing need for elected officials to denounce the misinformation and violent rhetoric inspired by Trump. The volatile situation underscores the importance of upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the integrity of legal processes amidst heightened tensions.