Bomb threats highlight risk of violent political rhetoric

NEW YORK — The discovery of pipe bombs targeting prominent Democratic politicians and CNN is raising the threat of electionseason violence largely unknown in the U.S. — and prompting questions about the consequences of leaders’ increasingly vitriolic rhetoric.

Coming two weeks before midterm elections, the thwarted attacks Wednesday caused renewed soul-searching — and finger pointing — about whether President Donald Trump has fanned passions to dangerous levels. Democrats pointed to his remarks seeming to condone violence against reporters and belittling political opponents, including some apparently targeted by the devices. Trump decried all political violence and issued a broad call for unity.

Some voters expressed concern the country was spiralling into new territory.

“It almost seems like we’re in the middle of a civil war without the shots being fired,” said Bobby Dietzel, a 45-year-old information technology worker from Kansas City who is registered with neither party. From a Denver coffee shop, he said he watched the political conflict with alarm. “It’s almost scary to talk politics with people.”

Law enforcement officials did not comment on the possible motives behind the crimes. Those involved have all been targeted by Trump and the right. The thwarted attacks added volatility to midterm elections poised to be a referendum on Trump.

Long before the explosives were discovered, violent rhetoric had emerged as a central theme in the closing days of the midterm elections, particularly for the GOP. Republicans derided protesters for disrupting GOP lawmakers or Trump officials at restaurants or other public places. While campaigning, Trump and leading Republican candidates have increasingly warned of a rising Democratic “mob” prepared to inflict physical harm upon its adversaries. But even some Trump allies saw the events of Wednesday as a moment for reflection and urged Trump to tone it down.

“You gotta calm it down,” said Anthony Scaramucci, who briefly worked in Trump’s administration. “The president has grown in the job. He now has to take another transcendental step and realize that he’s got to dial down the rhetoric.”