In this episode, we address the growing concern over political violence in the United States as the presidential election draws near. Political violence, defined as the intentional use of power and force to achieve political ends, is a significant public health issue. Violence researcher and emergency physician, Dr. Garen Wintemute, joins us to provide a clear, evidence-based perspective on the topic. We explore recent data and expert insights to better understand the threat of political violence, its potential impact in emergency departments, and what we can do about it.

*Please note: Views and opinions expressed in this episode are the speaker’s own and do not represent those of UC Davis or the University of California.* 

Are you concerned about political violence related to the upcoming election? How are you and your ED preparing? Keep the discussion going on social media @empulsepodcast or at ucdavisem.com

Hosts:

Dr. Julia Magaña, Professor of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Dr. Sarah Medeiros, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis

Guest:

Dr. Garen Wintemute, Distinguished Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis

Resources:

Opinion: Don’t underestimate threats of violence from Proud Boys and other right-wing groups. By Dr. Garen Wintemute. Los Angeles Times, September 20, 2024. 

Opinion: Too many Americans support political violence.  It’s up to the rest of us to dissuade them. By Dr. Garen Wintemute. Los Angeles Times, July 18, 2024.

Wintemute GJ. Guns, violence, politics: the gyre widens. Inj Epidemiol. 2021 Nov 2;8(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s40621-021-00357-3.

Wintemute GJ, Robinson SL, Crawford A, Tancredi D, Schleimer JP, Tomsich EA, Reeping PM, Shev AB, Pear VA. Views of democracy and society and support for political violence in the USA: findings from a nationally representative survey. Injury Epidemiology. 2023;10(1):45.

FACT SHEET

Wintemute GJ, Robinson SL, Tomsich EA, Tancredi DJ. MAGA Republicans’ views of American democracy and society and support for political violence in the United States: a nationwide population-representative survey. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(1):e029574