US political violence has entered unprecedented territory - and fear is it can only get worse

Donald Trump's rally speeches, taunts, and allusions to a "bloodbath" if he doesn't win have pushed the rhetoric to dangerous extremes, writes the Mirror's US editor Christopher Bucktin

Yet again, what should have been the peaceful calm of a weekend was shattered by the sound of gunshots, leaving America grappling with a near-unthinkable act of political violence.

On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, an armed person was spotted near Donald Trump's West Palm Beach golf course. The sight of a muzzle, an immediate response from the Secret Service, and a suspect fleeing the scene - the incident might read like a thriller. But it's the stark reality of today's America. In a year marked by turbulence, this was no isolated event, just another troubling sign of Stateside times.

When the dust settled, the FBI uncovered disturbing details: two abandoned backpacks, a weapon with a scope and a GoPro camera. The discovery pointed to a chill- intent - to turn the golf course into a stage for Trump's assassination, filmed for all to see.

If the plot sounds extreme, it's because political violence in America has entered unprecedented territory. The incident came just weeks after a separate assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, where Trump narrowly escaped death at a rally. In a chaotic moment, a bullet grazed his ear, killing a supporter nearby. Trump's bloodied-yet-bold response - calling on his base to "Fight!" - was enough to make observers wonder if his defiance had won him the election on the spot.

What's harder to forget, though, is the ominous pattern of political violence that keeps resurfacing. From Charlottesville, to the storming of the Capitol, the attack on the-then US House speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, who was bludgeoned with a hammer by a right-wing conspiracy theorist, and the countless threats lobbed at public officials, America seems locked in a cycle of violence.

As the election draws closer, the atmosphere only grows more volatile. False stories spread like wildfire. Haitian immigrants were accused of eating cats and dogs in Ohio, leading to school closures and bomb threats. The tension bubbling at political rallies spills over into everyday life, with ordinary people paying the price for a poisoned public discourse.

Surveys even suggest that a significant number of Americans support violent action against Trump, a chilling statistic in itself. But only one side seems determined to fan the flames. Trump's rally speeches, taunts, and allusions to a "bloodbath" if he doesn't win have pushed the rhetoric to dangerous extremes. Whether mocking political opponents or calling for shoplifters to be shot, the line between bluster and incitement seems thinner than ever.

With America already on edge, Trump's words fuel a fire that could erupt during the election. Polls indicate that the majority of Americans are concerned about post-election violence, and experts warn of more January 6th-style incidents if Kamala Harris secures victory. Trump's refusal to concede in 2020, paired with his rhetoric of vengeance, have left the political landscape littered with explosive potential

But even in the face of violence, he has remained unbowed. His response to Sunday's incident was an email blast affirming he'll "Never Surrender," punctuated by a fundraising plea. All should be concerned that America's election could be influenced by the bullet rather than the ballot box.