Civil Terrorism Is a Threat to American Democracy

This City Journal opinion piece by Tal Fortgang argues that 'civil terrorism'—lawless intimidation tactics targeting elected officials—poses a serious threat to American democracy. The article highlights Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent remarks distinguishing overt left-wing terrorism from quieter forms like intimidation and speech suppression. It focuses on Washington Representative Adam Smith, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, who admitted that threats and violence against his family—including home vandalism, arson in his driveway, and staff assault—influenced his decision to vote to cut American aid to Israel. The author condemns Smith's capitulation to the intimidation and criticizes the lack of institutional response to protect democratic processes. The piece calls for states to increase penalties for crimes committed with intent to intimidate or coerce elected officials, framing such acts as an assault on democracy itself.