Given what we know of Paul Pelosi’s injuries and the type of treatment he received, he is lucky to be alive.
His wife is second in line to the presidency; America’s third oldest politician.
He is at the top of the Democratic Party, a close ally of President Joe Biden and, in the past, the target of far-right political extremists.
It was one of the specific targets during the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol Hill complex in Washington. Rioters entered her office moments after she was evacuated.
Authorities are still studying the suspect’s background to build a picture of the precise reason for the attack.
His online footprint could prove to be crucial.
Any links to known extremist groups will be examined.
Local police are receiving FBI support – federal involvement suggests the potential of a political motive.
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The broad political context in which this attack took place should not be ignored.
America is deeply and dangerously divided as the midterm elections approach.
Threats against politicians on both sides have increased.
Former President Donald Trump continues to insist, without any evidence, that the 2020 election was stolen from him, a claim that sparked the violence on January 6, 2021 and continues to agitate some of the population.
The United States Capitol Police (which protects politicians on Capitol Hill) reported 9,625 threats and regarding actions / statements against members of Congress in 2021 compared to 3,939 cases in 2017.
As voters head to the polls for the November 8 midterm, law enforcement agencies across the nation have warned of a growing threat to politicians and officials helping administer the elections.
