Left-wing violence has become almost a daily fact of our political life. And I am not talking about the extreme left, I am talking about the left that represents the center of gravity in the Democratic Party.
Congressman Adam Smith illustrates the point in the tweet embedded below. Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, is a former supporter of Israel who voted with 102 Democratic colleagues to cut off military aid to that country. Smith says he cast his vote to send a message to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, with which he is “frustrated.”
But this is perhaps the more salient point:
I am deeply concerned about the tactics used by those on the far left to advocate for cutting off aid to Israel. To date, my family and I have had our home vandalized, a fire has been set in my driveway, my neighbors’ lives have been disrupted by demonstrations in the middle of the night, town halls meant to be forums for dialogue have been shut down, and a staff member has been physically assaulted. Those who engage in this type of behavior model a dangerous form of corrosive politics that seeks to intimidate those who disagree with them.
My statement on my vote in support of Rep. Massie's Amendment #8. pic.twitter.com/gLoeYWiCNv
— Rep. Adam Smith (@RepAdamSmith) July 16, 2026
The left-wingers got their way: Smith voted with them. And one of those who organized protests at Smith’s house is now an opponent running for his seat in the Democratic primary:
Smith is running in a primary race against two anti-Israel candidates to his left, Kshama Sawant and Melissa Chaudhry. Sawant organized anti-Israel protests outside Smith’s home.
Smith may have knuckled under to liberal violence. Then again, he may simply have seen which way the wind is blowing in his party. That is what Kshama Sawant says:
The forces are complementary: vote our way or we will vandalize your house, threaten your family, and assault your staff. Also, vote our way or the majority in our party who are fine with vandalism, threats and violence will throw you out of office.
