In today’s turbulent times, it seems America can’t catch a break from the increase in politically charged violence, brought to you by the maestros of divisive rhetoric—chiefly from the left. Recently, a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas, has highlighted yet again the dangerous path we find ourselves on. Three individuals were shot, and the attacker, identified as 29-year-old Joshua John, took his own life after the violent outburst. Some might say it’s the predictable result of inflammatory language coming from certain political figures who have been enthusiastically branding ICE agents as modern-day villains.

The phrase “anti-ICE” was engraved on a bullet casing found at the scene. Does it get any clearer than that? It’s as if the attacker was sending a personal note, echoing the talking points from a playbook filled with vitriol against law enforcement. The FBI is now investigating this as a targeted attack, and it’s hard not to see the connection between this incident and the reckless rhetoric that has infiltrated political discourse.

Here’s the plot twist: high-profile Democrats, some of whom apparently think of themselves as progressive heroes, must surely believe they’re blameless in all this. After all, their constant flow of words—comparing ICE to authoritarian regimes or secret police—is surely just a harmless exercise in free speech, right? However, one might be inclined to argue that such language can do no less than fan the flames of radicalization and violence amongst their most zealous followers. The facts are plain: the more often ICE is likened to a dark force of oppression, the more frequent these attacks become.

Of course, some leaders on the left scoff at the notion that their words could inspire violence. Why would they, seated comfortably in their offices, acknowledge the direct harm their rhetoric produces? This calculated blindness comes at a high price—human lives. The backlash against law enforcement grows, and the tragic scenes of violence keep playing out like a grim film reel stuck on repeat. Are Democrats resigned to call another press conference every time tragedy strikes, or will they recognize the monsters created by such volatile narratives?

One can’t help but ponder: Is there no one left in the Democratic Party willing to denounce this cycle of madness? It seems we’re left with a bizarre parade of politicians who gleefully substitute sanity for sensationalism, dragging their followers into a virtual world where everyone not in agreement with them is the “enemy.” Perhaps instead of asking ICE agents what they’re afraid of, figures like Gavin Newsom should be asking themselves how deep their rhetoric runs. Until a change is made at the top, and those sowing seeds of violence are held accountable for the harvest, America finds itself stuck in a loop, waiting for the next headline.