In the aftermath of the 34 felony guilty verdicts against former President Donald Trump, a wave of violent rhetoric has emerged, targeting the prosecutors, judge, and jurors involved in the case. Online platforms commonly used by Trump supporters have become hotbeds of threats and harassment reminiscent of the lead-up to the January 6th Capitol attack.

Non-profit organization Advance Democracy revealed a significant increase in social media posts containing violent rhetoric against New York Judge Juan Merchan and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Some posts even contained personal details, such as Bragg's purported home address. Similarly, there were posts claiming to reveal the addresses of jurors, although it remains unclear if these identifications were accurate.

These threats appear on the same websites where Trump supporters previously organized for violence leading up to the Capitol attack. The forums have now become platforms for echoing Trump's false claims about the hush money trial, with new threats alleging that the judicial system is now rigged against him.

Examples of the violent rhetoric include calls to "dox" the jurors and make their lives miserable, as well as suggestions of armed men gathering in Washington to hang everyone involved. Another post on the Truth Social platform, owned by Trump, expressed a desire for God to strike the jurors dead. Far-right group, the Proud Boys, has also joined in, with one chapter invoking the name of fascist dictator Francisco Franco of Spain in their call to action.

These threats follow a pattern of targeting individuals involved in Trump's legal cases. Past incidents include Trump supporters launching attacks on an FBI field office and showing up at former President Barack Obama's residence after Trump posted his address. The leaked names and addresses of grand jury members during Trump's indictment in Georgia also incited further threats. Notably, even people associated with the hush money trial are facing consequences, such as the swatting incident that targeted the mother of former police officer Michael Fanone, who was almost killed during the Capitol attack.

Daniel J. Jones, president of Advance Democracy, warned of the dangerous erosion of democratic norms and stated it was crucial for elected officials to speak out against Trump's disinformation and the violence it inspires. Online activity has been on the rise since Trump's guilty verdict, making it all the more important for action to be taken against the spread of disinformation and the calls for violence.

While it is essential to safeguard free speech rights, it is equally vital to condemn and address the dangerous rhetoric that threatens the safety and well-being of individuals involved in legal proceedings. The current situation highlights the urgent need for accountability and responsible discourse in the online realm.

Overall, the guilty verdict against Donald Trump has unleashed a disturbing surge of violent rhetoric, urging action against those involved in the trial. As the nation grapples with the aftermath, it remains imperative to uphold the principles of democracy and protect those affected by these threats.