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At a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, former President Donald Trump made a controversial suggestion to address crime in the U.S. He proposed a violent approach, stating that a single day of violence could put an end to criminal activity nationwide.
Call for Violent Measures
Trump suggested that Representative Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) be placed in charge for “one really violent day” to tackle crime. “One rough hour. And I mean real rough,” Trump added. He implied that such an action would send a global message, leading to an immediate end to crime, but did not provide any logistical details for how this would be executed.
Comparison to Fictional Film Series
Trump’s proposal is a lot like the idea in the TV show The Purge, when all crimes are allowed for 12 hours every year. Because of the violent content and depictions of anarchy and lawlessness in the films, this parallel has gained notice. According to allegations from USA Today, at least one movie in the franchise has been accused of criticizing the previous Trump administration.
Misleading Claims on Crime and Migrants
Trump reaffirmed his past assertions on crime statistics throughout the event, saying that they are soaring. This claim, nevertheless, has been attacked for inciting fear and is generally regarded as false. Trump again repeated a frequent trope in far-right discourse when he connected the alleged uptick in crime to migrants. These accusations are mostly baseless because there hasn’t been a noticeable rise in crime.
History of Violent Rhetoric
There have been previous instances in which Trump has used aggressive language in his talks. His history of making divisive remarks is well-documented, especially in relation to the 2020 race. His statements fueled the Capitol uprising on January 6, which resulted in five fatalities following his electoral defeat. Most recently, Trump raised fears about the possibility of violence by threatening to create a “bloodbath” if he lost another election.
Upcoming Rally and Past Threats
Trump will be holding his next scheduled event in Butler, Pennsylvania on October 5; this rally is in preparation for it. Butler holds significance since it was the scene of a botched attempt on Trump’s life in July, when he made his first visit to the city.
Trump's most recent remarks have come under fire for the implications they carry, with worries expressed about how they may affect public opinion and safety—particularly in this highly sensitive climate. Trump hasn't yet offered an explanation for or taken back his remarks about using violence to combat crime, though.