However, he points out that although there’s been a “resurgence,” political violence is not entirely unfamiliar to the nation.

Dr Ron Levy told SBS News Kirk’s shooting suggests that political violence is being normalised in the US. Credit: Trent Nelson

“Political violence has always been endemic in the American political system from before the Civil War, obviously during the Civil War, to the first terrorist acts over 100 years ago around issues of class difference and so on,” he said.

Mike Jensen, a scholar from the University of Maryland who has been documenting political violence incidents in a terrorism database since 1970, noted that the U.S. saw approximately 150 politically-motivated attacks in the first half of the year—almost double compared to the same timeframe the previous year.

“This could absolutely serve as a kind of flashpoint that inspires more of it.”

What is fuelling this political violence?

“But of course, that’s not a reasonable response. It’s just what a lack of information or a fired-up population thinks.”

Why is it more common in the US?

“You’ve got thousands of American deaths every year through gun violence, including kids.”

Specialists in domestic terrorism point to several contributing factors for the increase in violence, including economic instability, concerns over changing racial and ethnic compositions, and the heightened intensity of political language.

Kirk and the group he co-founded, Turning Point USA, played a key role in driving young voter support for Trump in November. Source: PA / CNP/ABACA

Traditional ideological divides — once centred on policy disagreements — have morphed into a deeper, more personal animosity. That anger is amplified by a mix of social media, conspiracy theories and personal grievances.

“Many political figures are seeking to exploit these divisive issues because it benefits them politically to heighten tensions among the populace for their own gains.”

In a Reuters/Ipsos survey from October last year, Americans were asked if they found it acceptable for a political party member to threaten or intimidate others to further a political goal. Only 6% of participants—an insignificant portion in terms of survey results—agreed with the statement.

Australia resists ‘deep polarisation’

“This is something that confounds Americans about us, that right-wing leaders like John Howard, along with left-wingers, were aligned regarding the issue of gun control,” he remarked.

Rolfe pointed to the issue of gun control laws, which are a point of contention in the US, but were swiftly reformed in Australia after the Port Arthur mass shooting. Source: AAP

“That kind of mass support doesn’t happen there on these sorts of issues.”