In the wake of the January 6, 2021 siege on the U.S. Capitol, Americans are understandably worried about extremism and political violence. They want to know how bad things are, and how bad they might get. https://www.adl.org/blog/extremism-and-political-violence-in-america-current-landscape-future-outlook

Although we should not panic, there’s also no excuse for ignoring an extremist threat that appears to have significant staying power. In other words, we all need to focus on the long game.

President Trump has provided extremists the gift of a narrative that will carry them through the next four years: a story about a stolen election, all thanks to the treasonous “left” and mainstream media, who are, as the narrative goes, suppressing rights of “real Americans.”

In the short term, the online rhetoric about the inauguration - much of which is being amplified on various online forums and social media platforms - is often violent, and some extremists seem to feel emboldened by their “success” at the Capitol.

There is also widespread concern over reports of potential events on or around Sunday January 17. While the protest has been cancelled, ongoing online conversations about it may attract and motivate energized pro-Trump extremists or other extreme/fringe individuals or groups.

The next few years will be critical in the fight against extremism and hate.