Man charged with attempted kidnapping of Democratic Memphis mayor
A man was arrested and charged on Wednesday for stalking and attempted kidnapping of the mayor of Memphis, Tennessee.
The big picture: Recent political violence and threats against Democrats has unnerved lawmakers in a heightened partisan environment.
Driving the news: Trenton Abston, 25, was charged with attempted kidnapping, stalking and aggravated criminal trespass, per Memphis Police, after approaching Democratic Memphis Mayor Paul Young's house.
Officials found a taser, gloves, rope and duct tape in Abston's car, police said.
The suspect scaled a wall and went straight to the mayor's residence on Sunday night, according to police's statement.
What they're saying: "The angry rhetoric, the hateful speech, and the heated threats create a culture where violence feels like a next step instead of a red line," Young wrote on social media.
"We cannot allow that line to be crossed. Political violence and intimidation — whether threatened or enacted — simply cannot become our norm."
Zoom out: The incident adds to the growing list of political violence made against federal and local government officials.
Minnesota state House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed at their home.
The suspect allegedly also shot Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their home, leaving both hospitalized.
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