The continued rise in incivility across the nation has understandably heightened concerns among elected and appointed public officials about personal safety. In some cases, incivility has turned personal and escalated into political violence.

Sadly, politically motivated violence is not new. It is part of our national history, driven by a range of motives — and is increasing. At the federal level, the U.S. Capitol Police investigated 3,939 threat cases in 2017; by last year, that number had more than doubled to 9,474. 

Personal reflections and recent events

In early summer 2006, I served as an advisor to Cory Booker, then the mayor-elect of Newark, New Jersey. During his unsuccessful campaign for mayor four years earlier, he had faced the darker side of public life — personal attacks and physical confrontations at public events.

Following his election in 2006, threats against him intensified. So serious were the threats that his security detail expanded to 24-hour protection before he was even sworn in to office. I remember well the sense of vulnerability that those of us on his transition team felt as we prepared for his move to city hall. Fortunately, the threats never materialized, and after two productive terms, the former mayor now serves as a U.S. senator.

Those events were not my first experience with security details. I previously served as a deputy mayor for Indianapolis, where, like many major cities, the mayor is assigned 24-hour security. There were even a few instances where I was assigned protection based on law enforcement threat assessments. Neither the mayor nor I was ever the subject of violence, and I remain deeply grateful to the law enforcement professionals who protected us as we served the public.

Unfortunately, not all public servants escape the threat of violence. 

In 2011, anti-government sentiment led to a horrific tragedy. On a sunny Saturday in Tucson, Arizona, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was hosting an event outside a local supermarket. A gunman opened fire, killing six people and injuring 13 others, including Giffords, who was shot in the head. She survived but endured a long and difficult recovery. She resigned from Congress in 2012 and is now a leading voice for gun violence prevention.

And this past June, we woke to unimaginable and devastating news. Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home by a man impersonating a police officer. That same night, the gunman also attacked another Minnesota legislator and his wife. Investigators later found a list of dozens of political targets in the shooter’s car.

Concerning behavior indicators and safety best practices

These tragedies are stark reminders of the risks public officials face — and the importance of being and staying vigilant. 

“As a former police chief with 40 years in law enforcement, I’m keenly aware of the potential threat of violence against public officials,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said recently, “But I’ve become much more alert lately, paying closer attention to my surroundings.”

As a public official, know this: You are not alone. While these events are important reminders of the need to remain vigilant and proactive, there are practical steps you can take and resources you can access to support your safety and that of those around you. Below are some guidelines that, while not exhaustive, can serve as a helpful resource.   

While not definitive on their own, certain behaviors may signal a potential threat that warrants further attention — especially if more than one is present:

• Overt airing of grievances or advocacy of violence: Repeated expressions of anger toward institutions or individuals, paired with threats or violent language.
• Recent personal crisis or signs of mental distress: Loss of a job, loved one, or other significant emotional event.
• Expressions of alienation or radical ideology: Isolation, extremist views, or dehumanizing rhetoric.
• Suspicious security-testing behavior: Repeated visits or attempts to observe security patterns.
• Unusual interest in safety protocols: Questions about access points, schedules, or internal procedures.
• Frequent or unexplained changes in appearance: Use of disguises or efforts to conceal identity.

You should contact local law enforcement immediately if you have concerns about someone’s behavior. There are also several proactive steps city leaders should take to protect themselves and their staff:

• Stay alert to your surroundings and encourage your staff to report anything that feels unusual or concerning.
• Limit sharing personal details online, especially real-time location updates.
• Review office safety protocols regularly — access control, visitor management, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure your team knows how and where to report concerning behavior.

You should document and report all threats or inappropriate communications to law enforcement — even those that seem minor. Law enforcement professionals are trained to assess threats and can work with you to evaluate risks and provide support. Whether you need a safety assessment, want to report suspicious behavior, or are simply seeking reassurance, reach out.

These professionals understand the pressure public officials are under and are committed to helping protect you as you serve your community. You are not alone. Your safety — and the safety of your team — is paramount.

Final thoughts

In the aftermath of the Minnesota tragedy, a friend and colleague from Minnesota shared these poignant words with me: 

“I hope this is a before-and-after moment in our state. I hope we’ve realized that our politics need to be better. I hope we can remember that people can disagree but still appreciate one another’s humanity. I hope we model better political rhetoric. I hope we reject violence. I hope we recognize that public servants are doing a thankless task — and they deserve our appreciation.

“I hope something like this doesn’t happen again.”

For the sake of the lives of those who serve and their families, I pray so too.

Thank you for serving. Stay safe.

My personal thanks to Cal Cities Board Member and Pismo Beach Police Chief Jeff Smith for assisting in compiling these resources.