Professors explain rise in political violence, threats toward elected officials

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s shooting, many are calling for the end of political violence, trickling down to elected officials in the Charlotte area.

Political science professors said that these attacks are not new, but they are growing in frequency and intensity because of how divisive and polarizing politics have become.

Dr. Michael Bitzer with Catawba College and Eric Heberlig with the University of North Carolina Charlotte said social media has fed into the violent rhetoric because of how easy it is to engage with elected officials and with those who have differing viewpoints.

They also said they are seeing people who don’t want to engage in conversations and are instead jumping to attacks and threats.

“People are not able to see members of the opposi