WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nation’s capital is a crossroads where elected officials meet with their constituents or special interest groups, and where visible efforts to maintain law and order contrast starkly with numerous signs calling for left-wing violence.
Explainer Charlie Kirk Overview
A sign reading, “Call the exterminator. The White House is full of vermin!” appeared Monday morning, seemingly calling for the extermination of President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other officials. This comes shortly after the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, raising concerns about the growing rhetoric surrounding political violence.
With left-wing political violence reportedly increasing, there are calls for the U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police (MPD) to take these threats more seriously. The signs, which are often changed out for new ones targeting conservative figures, have become a common sight around Capitol Hill.
J.D. Vance, while guest-hosting The Charlie Kirk Show, noted that left-wing political violence is more prevalent than violence from the right. He emphasized that the willingness to justify such violence is statistically higher among leftists.
Another sticker, calling for the assassination of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has also surfaced, referencing alleged assassin Luigi Mangione. Miller has acknowledged the organized nature of these threats, stating, “It is a vast domestic terror movement... we are going to use every resource we have to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy these networks.”
Most of the signs are concentrated near the U.S. Capitol Building, particularly around the intersection of 1st Street SE and C Street SE, which is a high-security area frequented by members of Congress and their staff. This intersection is home to significant buildings, including the Cannon House Office Building and the Republican National Committee headquarters.
The presence of these signs raises questions about whether they are the work of antagonistic trolls or a more organized group potentially capable of violence. A U.S. Capitol Police officer acknowledged that the signs constitute defacing property, which could warrant an investigation.
While the MPD did not respond to inquiries about whether they are investigating the groups or individuals behind the signs, there is a growing concern about the organized nature of these actions. The signs share a consistent style and rhetoric, suggesting a coordinated effort.
Far-left organizations have been known to fund public discord, and there are allegations that they support political violence. The Trump administration has indicated it may pursue Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges against individuals like billionaire George Soros, who have a history of funding unrest.
Currently, authorities are primarily focused on removing the signs and repainting defaced property, though some signs, including the “exterminator” sticker, remain in place. There are suggestions that the Trump administration could use enforcement mechanisms to address the defacement of property as part of a broader initiative to beautify Washington, D.C., while also uncovering the organized protest apparatus in the capital.
Why it matters
- The appearance of violent rhetoric in D.C. raises alarms about political safety and the normalization of threats against officials.
- Concerns grow over organized left-wing violence, prompting calls for increased police vigilance and investigations.
- The signs' consistent style suggests a coordinated effort, indicating a potential domestic terror movement targeting conservatives.
What’s next
- U.S. Capitol Police may launch an investigation into the coordinated efforts behind the threatening signs.
- Authorities are focused on removing the signs and may pursue RICO Act charges against individuals funding unrest.
- Calls for a beautification initiative in D.C. could lead to enforcement actions against property defacement.
