Political violence: What can happen when First Amendment free speech meets Second Amendment gun rights

What Can Happen When First Amendment Free Speech Meets Second Amendment Gun Rights?

Republished with permission from The Conversation, by Gregory P. Magarian, Washington University in St. Louis The assassination in September 2025 of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has heightened attention on the relationship between political rhetoric and political violence. Even before police had identified a suspect, President Donald Trump blamed the shooting on the “rhetoric” of the “radical left.” The Trump administration has since acted…

Political violence: What can happen when First Amendment free speech meets Second Amendment gun rights

The proliferation of guns in the U.S. can elevate political rhetoric to political violence. Douglas Sacha, Moment/Getty ImagesThe assassination in September 2025 of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has heightened attention on the relationship between political rhetoric and political violence. Even before police had identified a suspect, President Donald Trump blamed the shooting on the “rhetoric” of the “radical left.” The Trump administration…