Have there been any instances of politicians being killed by their own party members in the United States?

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that there have been instances of politicians being targeted and killed due to political motivations in the United States ^{[1] [2]}. Specific cases mentioned include the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist ^[1], the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords ^[2], and the attack on Rep. Steve Scalise ^[2]. Additionally, the kidnapping plot against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ^[2] and the killing of Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband ^[1] are also cited as examples of political violence. The sources agree that the issue of political violence is complex and multifaceted, with some attributing it to polarization and extremism ^{[2] [3] [4]}, while others highlight the role of social media and misinformation ^{[3] [4]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

While the analyses provide a comprehensive overview of the issue, some sources fail to explicitly state that politicians have been killed by their own party members ^[5]. Alternative viewpoints suggest that the problem of political violence is not limited to one party, but rather a broader societal issue ^{[1] [2]}. The role of hyperpartisanship and the contemporary political environment is also emphasized as a contributing factor to the conditions that lead to violence ^[4]. The increase in politically motivated attacks, with over 150 reported in the first half of 2025, nearly twice as many as the same period last year, is also noted ^[2]. A more nuanced understanding of the complex factors driving political violence is necessary to fully address the issue ^[3].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks if there have been instances of politicians being killed by their own party members in the United States. While the analyses suggest that politicians have been targeted and killed due to political motivations, it is not explicitly stated that these instances were perpetrated by their own party members ^{[1] [2]}. This omission could be seen as a potential bias or misinformation in the original statement. The sources that provide a list of recent cases of political violence ^[2] may benefit from a more detailed analysis of the motivations behind each attack, to determine whether they were indeed perpetrated by the victim's own party members. On the other hand, sources that emphasize the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive approach ^{[3] [4]} may benefit from a more nuanced understanding of the role of party affiliation in political violence.