2024 saw dramatic events of political violence, from assassination attempts and attacks on marginalized communities, to the pernicious rise of threats and harassment during a pivotal election that set the country on edge. Our research shows this climate of hostility escalated through the election cycle and is on track to continue into the new year, with tangible consequences for the post-election risk environment. America is entering an uncertain chapter, one that continues to present real obstacles to our country’s promise of pluralistic, multi-racial democracy.
We're clear-eyed about these challenges, but we’re also confident in the ecosystem’s capacity to meet them. In 2024, under intense pressure, local officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders came together to ensure Americans could vote safely. People from all walks of life reinvested in peaceful civic engagement in their communities, taking part in de-escalation and safety trainings that increased their skills and confidence to stand up to dehumanizing attacks.
For more on BDI's work to mitigate the risk of political violence in 2024 and prepare for what lies ahead in 2025, read our full year-in-review message.
Over the past five years, BDI has helped to support this critical infrastructure — our expert staff have worked day in and day out to deliver trusted, actionable information on political violence risk, and to develop the resources communities need to respond. Growing from a team of two to more than 25, we’ve helped build key components of the country’s early warning and de-escalation system, including by expanding our state-based mitigation and rapid response programming.
Heading into 2025, our team will continue to not only advance a broad understanding of political violence risk in the U.S., but also to make sure we remain steadfastly accountable to the communities we serve. We’re as committed as ever to providing the tools necessary for efforts to monitor and mitigate any threats that may emerge in the new year. We are consistently inspired by the incredible work of our partners across the country, to address both immediate harm and support the fundamental dignity of all.
Read on for a snapshot of our work to track and mitigate political violence in 2024. We’re thankful for your continued engagement and support as we prepare for the work ahead in 2025.
With gratitude,
Shannon Hiller
Executive Director
Bridging Divides Initiative