Threats against public officials surged in 2025

American authorities charged 126 individuals in 2025 for making threats against federal and top state officials, according to an analysis by CBS News reporter Jake Rosen, marking a significant increase in such incidents across the United States. The surge represents a troubling trend as public officials at various levels of government increasingly face intimidation and potential violence while performing their duties. These threats spanned multiple jurisdictions and targeted elected representatives, judges, law enforcement officials, and other high-ranking public servants who make critical decisions affecting communities nationwide. The data compiled by CBS News highlights how political discourse has become increasingly volatile, with individuals resorting to threatening communications rather than engaging in democratic processes. This rise in intimidation tactics has prompted enhanced security measures for many officials and sparked renewed debate about the protection of those who serve in public office.