Days after former US President Donald Trump was pronounced guilty in hush money case, several of his supporters have made alarming threats of rioting and mass lynchings. On right-wing social media networks, they exacerbated the situation, making many extreme remarks. Notably, Republican public figures also condemned Trump’s trial result as “rigged,” “corrupt,” “ridiculous,” and “bulls***.”
Trump’s supporters have escalated their rhetoric, with some making even more extreme remarks on social media platforms like X, Instagram and YouTube, One user on a Trump-related message board urged, “Take no prisoners,” while another suggested, “Just give them the rope,” in reference to lynching. Another chilling remark called for individuals to “swing outside the courthouse,” indicating a readiness for violent action.
Some posts contained coded language, with references to “short drops” — a euphemism for hanging execution. Additionally, there were mentions of “short walks and long drops” accompanied by a helicopter emoji, possibly alluding to “death flights” used by right-wing leaders in South American countries like Chile and Argentina.
Further alarming statements targeted trial judge Juan Merchan, with one post calling for someone in New York to “take care of Merchan.” Others advocated for violence against left-leaning individuals, with one urging, “Time to start capping some lefties.”
Furthermore, many MAGA supporters expressed frustration and disbelief at Trump’s conviction, alleging corruption within the country’s political and legal systems. Some called for drastic measures, such as “one million armed men” descending on Washington to “hang everyone.” Another thread encouraged supporters to “LEGALLY destroy the professional lives” of the trial judge, prosecutor, and district attorney involved in the case.