The Decline of Civil Discourse: Political Violence and the Erosion of America’s Democratic Values
Recently at Arizona State University (ASU), where Ruby Halperin, daughter of U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, was confronted with political violence while participating in an activity that has long been a cornerstone of American civic engagement: registering voters.
Lake was at the event to meet and greet voters:
According to eyewitnesses, Ruby Halperin, along with a group of young activists from Turning Point USA, was peacefully registering voters for the upcoming elections when a “crazed leftist” threw a drink at her and then fled the scene. This attack, though seemingly minor on the surface, speaks to a deeper problem that has taken root in American politics.
In a statement to Ben Bergquam of Real America’s Voice, Ruby expressed her frustration, saying:
“Today while registering voters at Arizona State University, a crazed leftist threw a drink at me and ran off. This is not just a normal attack, it’s meant to scare conservatives. This is why it’s so important that we continue to fight this fight. The left is scared, and they are showing it through violence. I will never back down.”
Halperin later posted on her X account with a photo of the aftermath, writing:
“As I was registering voters today at ASU, a radical leftist threw their whole beverage on me and ran away. THIS IS THE LEFT. They know we are winning this election, and it scares them. GET UP AND VOTE TRUMP.”
Throwing a drink at someone is generally considered assault under the law. In many jurisdictions, this type of action can be classified as either assault or battery, depending on how the law defines the terms.
According to Coolidge law firm in Arizona, there should be some penalties for what happened:
What Counts as Assault in Arizona?
According to the Arizona penal code, basic assault is the intentional or reckless injury of another person. The definition also includes knowingly touching another person with the intent of harming or injuring them.
More extreme cases may be charged as aggravated assault, which uses the definition above but adds a few key details, including:
- caused severe injury
- used a weapon or dangerous item (like a full can of White Claw)
- had the intent to disfigure
- restrained the victim before committing the assault
A basic assault charge may also be bumped up to aggravated assault if the victim was under the age of 15, a teacher, health care worker, or government official on duty, or there was an active restraining order against the assailant.
Yes, Throwing a Drink at Someone in AZ is Assualt
Because of the definitions of assault, throwing a can of liquid at someone will most likely be considered aggravated assault. Even tossing water at someone can be regarded as assault because it may classified as harmful touching. However, if you fail to make contact, throw an empty can or bottle, or just get their shirt wet, it might only be considered basic assault.
The punishments for assault range from misdemeanors to felonies and often include time spent in prison or jail. Below is a list of the classes of assault charges, the common actions that could lead to an assault charge, and the penalties for each level of crime.
America, which is a Constitutional Republic, has long prided itself on being a beacon of democracy—a nation where political disagreements could be settled civilly and where respect for the Republic ensured the peaceful transfer of power.
For centuries, Americans engaged in heated debates but remained committed to the fundamental principle that the democracy they cherished was more important than their individual viewpoints.
However, the escalating violence toward President Donald J. Trump and assassination attempts suggest that this tradition is eroding, with political rhetoric now escalating to levels of violence that should alarm every citizen, regardless of party affiliation.
What was once a routine act of civic participation—registering voters—has become a battleground for political warfare, where threats and attacks are used to silence or intimidate those with opposing views. The attack on Ruby is just one example in a string of violent incidents that have targeted political activists across the country, suggesting that a toxic climate has taken hold in America, where dialogue and debate are being replaced by aggression and intimidation.
Political Intimidation: A Growing Concern
What happened to Ruby Halperin is not an isolated incident. Across the country, political activists, especially those on college campuses, have reported an increase in harassment, threats, and even physical assaults. Whether it’s a conservative group registering voters or a progressive organization holding a rally, the rise of political violence threatens the very fabric of American democracy.
Political violence, regardless of which side it comes from, is an assault on the democratic process itself. When citizens are afraid to participate in basic civic activities, such as voter registration or campaigning for their candidate, it undermines the legitimacy of our elections and, by extension, our government.
A Call for Return to Civility
The attack on Ruby Halperin is more than just a story about a beverage thrown in anger. It’s a reflection of how far we’ve fallen from the days when Americans could disagree vehemently about politics, yet still shake hands at the end of the debate. It’s a reflection of how the peaceable transfer of power, the very bedrock of our Republic, is under threat from those who would rather throw drinks than engage in dialogue.
As Ruby herself noted, “This is why it’s so important that we continue to fight this fight.” Not just for one candidate or one party, but for the future of a country that was founded on the belief that every voice deserves to be heard, not silenced by violence.
Now is the time to reclaim the spirit of respectful debate and peaceful engagement that has long been the hallmark of American democracy.