Sign in

Sam Jones

@samajones.bsky.social
118 followers 113 following 45 posts

Comms at Princeton’s Bridging Divides Initiative. Working to track and mitigate the risk of political violence in the U.S. bridgingdivides.princeton.edu

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Sam Jones
Teddy Wilson @reportbywilson.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Morning Briefing: Local elected officials report that they are “facing sustained threats to their safety and security,” according to a survey published by the Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI).
radicalreports.org
Morning Briefing: Local Elected Officials 'Facing Sustained Threats to Their Safety and Security'
Local elected officials report that they are “facing sustained threats to their safety and security,” according to a survey published by the Bridging Divides Initiative (BDI).
1146
Reposted by Sam Jones
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 02/05/2026
(1/4) Catch up on our recent analysis: • U.S.-Israel-Iran War • U.S.-Cuba • U.S. Boat Strikes • U.S. Military • Transatlantic Relations • Mali
justsecurity.org
Digest of Recent Articles on Just Security (Apr. 25-May 1, 2026)
U.S.-Israel-Iran War • U.S.-Cuba • U.S. Boat Strikes • U.S. Military • Transatlantic Relations • Mali • U.S. Political Violence • DOJ Indictment • Anti-Corruption Series • FISA Section 702 • ICE and C...
12512
Reposted by Sam Jones
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 28/04/2026
With political violence on the rise, America needs a reliable monitoring system that can accurately track threats across the ideological spectrum. But @samajones.bsky.social warns the ecosystem developed to track such data is now in jeopardy. www.justsecurity.org/137299/risin...
justsecurity.org
To Counter Rising Political Violence, America Needs to Reinforce Its Early Warning Infrastructure
Stakeholders must reinforce U.S. monitoring and response infrastructure to address growing risks of political violence.
5187
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
For years, our team at Princeton has worked w/ partners around the U.S. to improve research on political violence and stand up a data-driven early warning system. That system is now being cut back, compromising the country's capacity to respond to emerging threats. My latest for @justsecurity.org
justsecurity.org
To Counter Rising Political Violence, America Needs to Reinforce Its Early Warning Infrastructure
Stakeholders must reinforce U.S. monitoring and response infrastructure to address growing risks of political violence.
000
Reposted by Sam Jones
MinnPost @minnpost.com · 17/02/2026
Although Congress has boosted the amount of money provided for members’ security, some Minnesota lawmakers are spending more for their personal safety.
minnpost.com
Minnesota lawmakers tap campaign funds to bolster their security - MinnPost
Although Congress has boosted the amount of money for members' security, some Minnesota lawmakers are spending more for their safety.
0135
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
New report from our team at Princeton's Bridging Divides Initiative identifies 5 key political violence trends that emerged in 2025, evaluates how they'll evolve in 2026, and elevates 3 effective resilience and response strategies to support risk mitigation efforts. Findings 🧵👇
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Key Political Violence and Resilience Trends From 2025
The past year saw a dangerous escalation in the political violence risk environment in the United States, including a series of high-profile attacks and the impacts of aggressive federal immigration o...
100
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
State violence is escalating in Minnesota and around the U.S. It's critical to support the local leaders and civil society groups standing up to these threats and working to keep their communities safe. Here's just a snapshot of ongoing response efforts from BDI and WSC in @npquarterly.bsky.social.
nonprofitquarterly.org
From Minneapolis to Portland: State Violence and How Communities Are Responding | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
The United States is seeing an upswing in political violence, including due to increased state abuses. But community safety and de-escalation strategies can be effective.
010
Reposted by Sam Jones
Benny Witkovsky @bwitkovsky.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
We have a ton of data on this from the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton. A survey from the fall found that that 43% of local officials said threats and harassment made them less willing to run for re-election: bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/Understandin...
0103
Reposted by Sam Jones
Jake Grumbach @jakemgrumbach.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
We underestimate how impactful harassment and threats of violence are on politicians. Clear, large uptick in the number of major incumbent politicians not running/retiring specifically due to harassments and threats of violence. The harassers are like 0.1% of the population but hugely impactful.
1536778
Reposted by Sam Jones
19thnews @19thnews.org · 06/01/2026
Since January 6, 2021, at least 33 insurrectionists have been rearrested, charged or sentenced for other crimes, ranging from committing child sex crimes and possession of child pornography to sexual assault, rape and illegal possession of weapons with domestic violence convictions.
19thnews.org
Five years after January 6, dozens of pardoned insurrectionists have been arrested again
At least 33 insurrectionists have been rearrested, charged or sentenced for other crimes since January 6, 2021.
76644
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
"There have been multiple times that I've thought: [our town] is going to get put on the map when somebody comes to kill me." In the wake of a series of high-profile political violence incidents, new BDI interview research explores how local officials are navigating the elevated risk environment.
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Issue Brief: Interviews With Local Elected Officials Spotlight Acute Safety Concerns in the Wake of High-Profile Attacks
Following the deadly attack on state lawmakers in Minnesota, local officials tell BDI that they are experiencing a high level of fear and emotional strain. They continue to call for short-term mitigat...
010
Reposted by Sam Jones
Kettering Foundation @kettering.org · 19/09/2025
What happens when political violence shifts from isolated tragedies to a persistent feature of American civic life?
122
Reposted by Sam Jones
Julia Roig @jroig.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
There’s a lot to learn from these 10 experts on political violence. www.politico.com/news/magazin...
politico.com
10 Political Violence Experts on What Comes Next for America
Can America escape the spiral of political violence after Charlie Kirk’s killing?
001
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
After the deadly attack on Minnesota state lawmakers in June, I broke down BDI's research on steps communities can take to respond to the risk of political violence for @justsecurity.org. Many of those same lessons apply now. We don't have to accept this climate of hostility as our new normal.
justsecurity.org
How Communities Can Respond to Threats of Political Violence
Left unchecked, political violence will continue to pose a significant danger to community safety and the health of America’s democracy.
020
Reposted by Sam Jones
Politico @politico.com · 12/09/2025
Can America escape its spiral of political violence? 10 experts in the US and abroad give their takes on what comes next👇
politico.com
10 Political Violence Experts on What Comes Next for America
Can America escape the spiral of political violence after Charlie Kirk’s killing?
155222
Reposted by Sam Jones
Michael Smerconish @smerconish.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Michael speaks with Shannon Hiller, Executive Director of the Bridging Divides Initiative at Princeton, about the alarming rise in threats and harassment against local officials—from school board members to township supervisors. Hear the #podcast 🎧➡️ loom.ly/7l3hQnE
573
Reposted by Sam Jones
New Jersey Monitor @newjerseymonitor.com · 28/08/2025
NJ to regulate campaign spending on security as political violence mounts newjerseymonitor.com/briefs/nj-to...
newjerseymonitor.com
NJ to regulate campaign spending on security as political violence mounts • New Jersey Monitor
Political threats & violence are up, so NJ's election watchdog aims to adopt new rules allowing candidates to spend campaign cash on security
023
Reposted by Sam Jones
Norm Eisen @normeisen.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
My colleagues @brookings.edu wrote on the rise of political violence in the US They explain important ways we can prevent rising violence 2 protect the health of our democracy Read more👇-TN www.brookings.edu/articles/pol...
brookings.edu
Addressing political violence to protect American democracy | Brookings
Recent acts of political violence in the U.S. are a threat to democracy, but strategies exist to prevent them while protecting freedoms.
29045
Reposted by Sam Jones
jondkatz.bsky.social @jondkatz.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
Political violence is a threat to the safety & security of Americans & democracy. My @brookings.edu piece addresses the rise of political violence, harassment & intimidation. We recommend tools/strategies to combat, prevent, respond to this growing threat. www.brookings.edu/articles/pol...
brookings.edu
Addressing political violence to protect American democracy | Brookings
Recent acts of political violence in the U.S. are a threat to democracy, but strategies exist to prevent them while protecting freedoms.
112
Reposted by Sam Jones
Barbara Rodriguez @bcrodriguez.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Who’s running for office? Amid a rise in threats of political violence and harassment, parents with young kids are increasingly weighing the risks. 19thnews.org/2025/08/pare...
19thnews.org
The threat of political violence is keeping parents out of elected office
Persistent harassment and threats of violence may be impacting who decides to become an elected official or candidate — especially for parents of young children.
25720
Reposted by Sam Jones
19thnews @19thnews.org · 04/08/2025
Persistent harassment and threats of violence may be impacting who decides to become an elected official or candidate — especially for parents of young children.
19thnews.org
The threat of political violence is keeping parents out of elected office
Persistent harassment and threats of violence may be impacting who decides to become an elected official or candidate — especially for parents of young children.
23622
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
"Since COVID, threats to local school officials have nearly tripled, research finds. Cases corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies." BDI's new report featured in @npr.org
npr.org
Since COVID, threats to local school officials have nearly tripled, research finds
Researchers at Princeton University say some instances corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies and that the targets held a variety of political views.
010
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
New research from our team at BDI finds that more than 1 in 3 local school board officials experienced hostility last year. Reported cases of threats and harassment targeting school officials increased 170% from 2022 to 2025. But impacted officials are also developing strategies to mitigate risk.
Chart showing that 36% of surveyed school board officials reported experiencing hostility in 2024.
130
Reposted by Sam Jones
NPR @npr.org · 11/07/2025
Researchers at Princeton University say some instances corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies and that the targets held a variety of political views.
n.pr
Since COVID, threats to local school officials have nearly tripled, research finds
Researchers at Princeton University say some instances corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies and that the targets held a variety of political views.
720361
Reposted by Sam Jones
Teddy Wilson @reportbywilson.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Extremists Links: Elected officials have increasingly become the target violence, and harassment has become a 'predictable part of public service — so common it often goes unreported.'
radicalreports.org
Extremists Links: Elected Officials Increasingly Target of Violence and Harassment
Elected officials have increasingly become the target violence, and harassment has become a 'predictable part of public service — so common it often goes unreported.'
1268
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Our newly expanded BDI-CivicPulse survey finds that local elected officials are looking for additional resources to mitigate the escalating risk of threats and violence, including enhanced privacy protections, personal security, and tools to manage conflict during public meetings.
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Local Officials Seek Increased Safety Support Amid Heightened Threat Environment, Survey Results Show
Findings from our newly expanded survey indicate that local elected officials are looking for additional resources to mitigate the risk of threats and harassment, including enhanced privacy protection...
020
Reposted by Sam Jones
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 21/06/2025
(1/3) Catch up on our recent analysis: • Israel / Iran • Political violence • U.S. military deployment • Trump executive actions • Public health • European security • Corruption • United Nations / Counterterrorism • Series: Gender & protests in Iran www.justsecurity.org/114795/diges...
justsecurity.org
Digest of Recent Articles on Just Security (June 15-20, 2025)
Israel / Iran • Political violence • U.S. military deployment • Trump executive actions • Public health • European security • Corruption • United Nations / Counterterrorism • Series: Gender & protests...
2224
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Last weekend’s attack on two Minnesota lawmakers marks a deadly escalation of political violence in the U.S. and comes during a period of elevated threats against officials around the country. For @justsecurity.org, I broke down BDI’s latest research into steps communities can take to respond.
justsecurity.org
How Communities Can Respond to Threats of Political Violence
Left unchecked, political violence will continue to pose a significant danger to community safety and the health of America’s democracy.
020
Reposted by Sam Jones
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 18/06/2025
In the aftermath of the Minnesota attacks, how can communities respond to the growing threat of political violence? @samajones.bsky.social and Roudabeh Kishi offer a range of ideas, from expanding access to security funding to collaborative threat monitoring www.justsecurity.org/114944/minne...
justsecurity.org
How Communities Can Respond to Threats of Political Violence
Left unchecked, political violence will continue to pose a significant danger to community safety and the health of America’s democracy.
0289
Reposted by Sam Jones
Axios @axios.com · 15/06/2025
The targeted shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers this weekend underscore a grim trend: An increasingly volatile political climate has left state and local officials more exposed than ever to threats and harassment.
axios.com
Minnesota shootings spotlight growing safety risks facing lawmakers
Some fear mounting threats could push people away from public service.
4026950
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
"Violent threats against lawmakers hit a record high last year, for the second year in a row. As of April, there have been more than 170 incidents of threats and harassment targeting local officials across nearly 40 states this year, according to data gathered by BDI at Princeton University."
nytimes.com
Like School Shootings, Political Violence Is Becoming Almost Routine
000
Reposted by Sam Jones
Lee Drutman @leedrutman.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Political officials are facing more and more threats and harassment. (some ups and downs, but the secular trend is up) This is... not good. bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/threats-and-...
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Threats and Harassment Dataset: April 2025 Update
Threat and harassment incidents against local officials continued at a lower rate in April, following a spike at the start of the year driven by national political dynamics. The THD captured more than...
191
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 15/06/2025
Yesterday's attack targeting two Minnesota state lawmakers marks a deadly escalation of political violence in the U.S. and comes during a period of elevated threats against public officials at all levels of government.
Chart showing rise in threat and harassment incidents against local officials since 2022.
100
Reposted by Sam Jones
Jay Young @impactofficer.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
"Hostility against public officials is on the rise.... The impact is clear: many officials are withdrawing from civic engagement, avoiding work on controversial issues, and reconsidering public service altogether due to safety concerns." bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/updates/2025...
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Protecting Local Democracy: Policy Solutions to Address Rising Threats Against Officeholders
This brief presents two critical recommendations to mitigate risk facing local officials: expanding access to funds for personal security in the short term; and investing in independent, sustained thr...
011
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Despite threats from the administration, protests in support of immigrant rights are reaching record numbers. "More than 700 immigration-related demonstrations have taken place in the United States in 2025, according to data and analysis from ACLED and BDI."
cnn.com
With Trump’s crackdown against dissent escalating, some seeking to protest his immigration policies face a difficult choice | CNN Politics
The Trump administration’s escalating efforts to suppress and retaliate against public dissent present a difficult question for noncitizens living in the United States who want to protest the presiden...
100
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
More than 700 immigration-related demonstrations have already taken place across the U.S. this year. Over 250 were reported in a single week — five times more than the previous weekly peak in 2020.
Graph showing the spike in demonstrations in early 2025.
000
Reposted by Sam Jones
Jay Young @impactofficer.bsky.social · 30/03/2025
Our friends over at BDI just released this report showing that the number of immigration protests is way up. Almost all of them were pro-immigrant. bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/issue-brief-...
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Issue Brief: Mapping the Rise in Immigration-Related Demonstrations in Early 2025
Immigration-related demonstrations have reached a record high this year, with communities rallying to push back against dehumanizing attacks on immigrant groups that raise the risk of violence
011
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Threat and harassment incidents against local public officials increased by 40% last month, new BDI data shows. The rise was fueled in part by a spike in threats targeting local school officials related to national debates over education policy and DEI initiatives.
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Threats and Harassment Dataset: February 2025 Update
Threats and harassment against local officials increased in February, reversing course after two months of lower activity. BDI’s Threats and Harassment Dataset (THD) captured more than 50 events for t...
000
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Immigration-related demonstrations are hitting record levels this year, new BDI analysis finds. Communities in all 50 states have mobilized to support immigrant rights, advocate for local safety initiatives, and push back on dehumanizing rhetoric that raises the risk of violence.
Map showing the spread of immigration-related demonstrations around the United States.
100
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
Our team at the Princeton University Bridging Divides Initiative documented more than 600 incidents of threats and harassment targeting local public officials around the United States in 2024 — an increase of 10% from 2023.
Chart showing the increase in threats and harassment incidents targeting local public officials by year since 2022.
100
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
"Taking this blanket approach to pardons for individuals who attempted to forcefully overturn the results of a fair election sets a dangerous precedent that raises the risk of future political violence."
justsecurity.org
Nine Experts on the Impact of President Trump’s Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenders
We asked nine experts about what clemencies might herald for the future of the rule of law, political violence, and extremism.
000
Reposted by Sam Jones
Justin Hendrix @justinhendrix.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
There is a lot going on. But take a moment and read these considerations from experts on what the January 6 clemencies may mean going forward. I'm going to thread out a few of their observations, which @dwj88.bsky.social and I collected for @justsecurity.org:
justsecurity.org
Nine Experts on the Impact of President Trump’s Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenders
We asked nine experts about what clemencies might herald for the future of the rule of law, political violence, and extremism.
10265104
Reposted by Sam Jones
Just Security @justsecurity.org · 03/02/2025
How might President Trump’s clemencies for #January6th rioters influence future acts of political violence? @dwj88.bsky.social and @justinhendrix.bsky.social asked nine experts for their views. www.justsecurity.org/107288/nine-...
justsecurity.org
Nine Experts on the Impact of President Trump’s Pardons and Commutations for January 6 Offenders
We asked nine experts about what clemencies might herald for the future of the rule of law, political violence, and extremism.
25621
Reposted by Sam Jones
stephenpiggott.bsky.social @stephenpiggott.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
New resource from my org: Examines 5 key political violence trends that emerged in 2024, evaluates how these risk factors will evolve in 2025, & elevates 3 effective resilience & response strategies that can inform mitigation efforts going forward: bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/updates/2025...
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Key Political Violence and Resilience Trends From 2024
Using the past year of data from BDI and our partners, this special report identifies 5 key political violence trends that emerged in the United States in 2024, evaluates how these risk factors will e...
0113
Sam Jones @samajones.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
New report from our team at the Bridging Divides Initiative identifies 5 key political violence trends from 2024, assesses how these risks are likely to evolve in 2025, and elevates 3 effective response strategies to inform ongoing mitigation efforts. bridgingdivides.princeton.edu/key-politica...
bridgingdivides.princeton.edu
Key Political Violence and Resilience Trends From 2024
Last year was marked by significant incidents of political violence and hostility in the United States, from assassination attempts and attacks on marginalized groups to a surge in threats and harassm...
140