When Political Violence Becomes Acceptable, It Becomes Inevitable

In this PJ Media article, Ben Shapiro argues that a culture willing to rationalize political violence should not be surprised when that violence spreads.

• Shapiro says political violence becomes more likely when activists create a moral framework that treats opponents or institutional figures as so evil that violence against them seems justified.
• He focuses on Luigi Mangione, accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and criticizes a judge’s decision to suppress some evidence seized during Mangione’s arrest.
• Shapiro argues that procedural rulings like this make ordinary Americans believe the justice system protects defendants more than victims.
• He says the larger problem is cultural, pointing to supporters of Mangione who allegedly praised or excused violence against Thompson.
• The article ties that rhetoric to a broader left-wing critique of private-sector institutions, especially the idea that business leaders are guilty of “social murder.”
• Shapiro argues that comparing a health insurance CEO to a mass murderer is morally deranged and turns political grievance into assassination logic.
• He warns that once society begins describing legal business activity as murder, actual murder becomes easier for radicals to rationalize.
• The core argument is that demonizing political or economic opponents as killers creates a permission structure for more violence.

Read the full story: https://pjmedia.com/benshapiro/2026/05/20/when-political-violence-becomes-acceptable-it-becomes-inevitable-n4953085