Is political violence America's new normal?

Is political violence America's new normal?

Author: The Times April 28, 2026 Duration: 30:55

White House correspondents' dinner shooting suspect Cole Tomas Allen has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president. The White House says Saturday’s attack is the third 'assassination attempt' on Donald Trump in the last two years. But what do we know about Allen? And what does this all tell us about the rise of political violence in America? 


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Guests:

  • David Charter, assistant editor, US, The Times and The Sunday Times.
  •  Nick Bryant, journalist and author of Forever War America's Unending Conflict With Itself and the Substack History Never Ended.

Host: Manveen Rana

Producers: Julia Webster and Olivia Case

We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: Cole Tomas Allen: who is the alleged gunman at correspondents’ dinner?

Further listening: Can King Charles fix the special relationship?

Clips: The Obama White House / YouTube, C-SPAN, OverDriveGamesAnime / YouTube, ABC, CBS, NBC, The New Yorker, KATU News.

Photo: Getty Images.

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Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
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