The atmosphere surrounding Donald Trump has become so heated that it’s blurring the lines of acceptable behavior. Recently, the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) released a troubling study showing that nearly 50% of self-identified leftists think it’s morally acceptable to assassinate Trump or Elon Musk.
Joel Finkelstein, NCRI’s founder, points out the alarming trend: “What was once seen as unthinkable has now found a disturbing place in modern discourse.” This shift towards what experts are calling an “assassination culture” is deeply unsettling.
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A chilling example of this growing threat surfaced last week when authorities uncovered yet another plot to harm Trump and other government officials. The man behind this plot? A 32-year-old from Butler, Pennsylvania, who, under the online alias “Mr. Satan,” spent months posting increasingly violent threats against the President and other high-profile figures.
The evidence against this individual, Shawn Monper, is undeniable. After Trump’s inauguration, Monper went on to stockpile firearms and ammunition, proudly proclaiming his intentions in online posts. In one post from February, he wrote about his growing arsenal, saying, “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.”
But it didn’t stop at just Trump. Monper also posted calls for widespread violence, specifically targeting political figures and law enforcement. “We just need to start killing people Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way,” he wrote in February, adding that this was just the beginning of what he called “American Revolution 2.0.” He even posted a video last month claiming he planned to “assassinate him myself.”
As if these threats weren’t enough, Monper also turned his ire towards ICE agents, calling them “terrorist people” and threatening violence against them.
Thanks to quick action from local and federal law enforcement, Monper was apprehended before he could carry out his plans. “I want to applaud the outstanding and courageous investigative work of the FBI and the Butler Township Police Department,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi, acknowledging the team’s role in preventing further tragedy.
Currently held without bail, Monper faces charges related to his threats, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 14. Given the nature of his threats and his preparation for violence, this case underscores the importance of standing firm against political violence, regardless of the political side.
Sadly, the growing normalization of such rhetoric, particularly on the left, should concern every American. Yet, don’t expect the same level of media outrage that followed January 6. It seems that the media’s focus often shifts depending on which side of the aisle is involved.
