The hottest Violence Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Two dead and 10 injured in Mannheim after Alexander S. – reportedly a 40 year-old native German with no migrant background – drives his Ford Fiesta into Carneval crowds

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 129 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Public Safety Mental health Violence
  1. A man drove his car into a crowded festival in Mannheim, causing tragic injuries and deaths. The incident left two people dead and ten others hurt.
  2. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later arrested by the police. He also attempted to harm himself while being apprehended.
  3. Authorities have indicated that the suspect did not have any political motivations for his actions. His history suggests he has been struggling with psychological issues.

The real bullying happens at home

Disaffected Newsletter • 5015 implied HN points • 06 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Child abuse Mental health Violence Bullying Family Dynamics
  1. Many serious issues stem from troubled home environments rather than just bullying at school. A supportive home life is really important for children's mental health.
  2. Kids often act out or show strange behaviors due to trauma at home, and these issues can be overlooked or not understood by others. Parents play a huge role in shaping their child's well-being.
  3. There's a big need for society to talk more openly about child abuse and hold parents accountable. It's crucial to recognize that many violent behaviors in youth can often be traced back to a harmful upbringing.

I Told You: Chaos is Coming

Freddie deBoer • 17481 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Violence Ideology Society Philosophy Psychology
  1. People are feeling lost and disconnected in today's world, which can lead to dangerous behaviors like violence. This sense of emptiness makes some look for meaning in extreme actions.
  2. Many young people are struggling to find real meaning in life, and they might turn to historic ideologies that feel hollow or even joke-like. They want something to hold on to, but everything feels lightweight.
  3. The solution may lie in connection and community. If people can reach out and support each other, there might be hope for a better future, but this is not an easy path.

Was the UHC assassin a "pro"?

Read Max • 4215 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Media Violence Public Opinion Social Issues
  1. There is a lot of debate online about whether the person who killed the UHC CEO was a skilled professional or just someone angry with the company. This shows how people are fascinated by the idea of hitmen and assassins.
  2. Most of the discussions about assassins come from movies and TV shows, not real life. Many people who talk about being 'cool gun guys' often have no real experience but love consuming action-packed media.
  3. The myth of hitmen being like the ones in movies may influence some to try and act like them. However, real-life hitmen are quite different from fiction, and trying to hire one is likely to lead to trouble.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

What Would You Do?

KERFUFFLE • 71 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Violence Civil Rights Immigration Government
  1. Many people misunderstand that protests can be spontaneous and not always organized by groups. This means the reactions during protests can be chaotic and unpredictable.
  2. When people feel their basic rights and families are threatened, they might turn to violent protests because they see no other way to fight back. Understanding this helps explain their actions.
  3. Political violence is often a last resort for people facing oppressive situations. It's important to recognize this reality, even if we don't agree with it.

Where Does The Aggression Really Begin?

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2151 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Terrorism Violence Narrative control War Social justice
  1. The label 'terrorist' is often used to manipulate public perception and justify violence. Some groups or individuals may be labeled as terrorists while others are not, depending on their perceived alignment with power structures.
  2. Acts of violence by the powerful are often overlooked or justified, while retaliatory actions by those oppressed are labeled as terrorism. This double standard shapes our understanding of aggression.
  3. To create a fair society, it's important to recognize all forms of aggression and hold everyone accountable, not just those who are deemed a threat to the rich and powerful.

The Extremely Gleeful, Extremely Dark Reaction to a CEO’s Killing

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5216 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Violence Public Reaction Leadership Health care
  1. A CEO was shot and killed in New York, capturing the attention of many people online. The video of the assassination showed a planned and cold-blooded act.
  2. Some people reacted to the murder in a troubling way, treating it as if it were a fictional scene from a movie. Critics expressed that they felt the CEO got what he deserved due to the company's actions.
  3. Comments on social media ranged from dark humor to openly supporting violence against executives, showing a disturbing sense of glee about the situation.

More on the Violence in L.A.

KERFUFFLE • 21 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Violence Immigration Police Civil Rights
  1. There was violence during recent immigration protests in Los Angeles, with protesters throwing rocks at police vehicles. This shows a tense and escalating situation between protesters and law enforcement.
  2. The California Highway Patrol responded to the chaos by closing parts of the freeway, indicating that safety was a major concern during the protests.
  3. A detailed discussion on the events is available through an interview, presenting different perspectives on the situation in Los Angeles. Listening to it can provide more context about the unrest.

Stochastic Terror

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 15 Jul 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Media Violence Society Gender
  1. The media can influence public perception and actions, which has been evident in political events, including attempts on leaders' lives. It's important to be aware of how narratives are shaped.
  2. Society often overlooks the reality of women's violence, which can lead to misunderstandings about abusive behaviors, even when they are clearly happening.
  3. There are diverse topics discussed in the media that range from serious issues to light-hearted humor, showcasing varied perspectives and cultural commentary.

Welcome to Boomland

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5831 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Violence Election Policy Disasters
  1. Boomland, a fireworks emporium in Missouri, serves as a symbol of American complexities and fears.
  2. The region, historically marked by the New Madrid earthquake zone, faces a looming threat of catastrophic seismic activity.
  3. The author reflects on the state of America, the government's handling of crises, and the need for individuals to define moral principles amidst chaos.

Oklahoma Appoints Libs Of TikTok "To Make Schools Safer," Violent Threats Follow Her Posts

Erin In The Morning • 4127 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education LGBTQ+ Violence Social media Legislation
  1. Chaya Raichik, creator of Libs of TikTok, was appointed to make schools safer but her posts led to violent threats.
  2. Raichik's appointment to the Library Media Advisory Committee has sparked controversy due to her history of targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
  3. Despite criticism, Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters supports far-right influencers and causes, impacting LGBTQ+ policies in the state.

Shin Guards

Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Childhood Social Dynamics Violence Memory Identity
  1. The story showcases how childhood games can sometimes lead to unexpected violence. The characters are just kids but their actions escalate quickly.
  2. The main character grapples with their identity and feelings of powerlessness, especially when witnessing a friend getting hurt. It highlights the struggle of fitting in while facing personal conflicts.
  3. Friendship dynamics play a major role in the scene, showing how peer pressure can influence actions and decisions, making it hard to stand up against the group.

My friend, the sadistic murderer

Julie Bindel's podcasts and writing • 1395 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Crime Society Violence Injustice Justice
  1. Kevin Ashdown, a former school friend, turned into a sadistic murderer who killed his girlfriend after years of abuse and control.
  2. The tragic story highlights the long-term impact of childhood abuse on individuals and how unaddressed anger and misogyny can lead to extreme violence.
  3. Reflecting on the past with empathy sheds light on how lives can diverge drastically, and how early experiences can shape a person's future choices and actions.

On guns and gods

Men Yell at Me • 411 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Violence Social Issues Public Opinion
  1. Many people at church and gun shows express feelings of fear and anger but don't always talk about the violence happening around them. They seem to ignore serious issues like the insurrection and its consequences.
  2. Church gatherings often focus on personal blessings rather than addressing real-world problems, including the violence that some community members justify or downplay.
  3. There’s a deep silence among certain groups in faith communities about social issues, which often leaves marginalized voices unheard. The lack of discussion can be as harmful as the violent actions themselves.

If Berkeley Wants to Protect Free Speech It Will Expel Its Rioters

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2453 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Violence Academic Freedom Civil Discourse
  1. Violence should not be tolerated on college campuses as it undermines the principles of free speech and debate.
  2. Consequences must be implemented for those who engage in violent behavior or disrupt events on campus.
  3. Universities must actively defend free speech and academic freedom while maintaining zero tolerance for violence.

Israel's Savagery Is So Shocking It's Sometimes Hard To Take In

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2104 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Conflict Humanitarian Media Violence Trauma
  1. Israel's actions in recent conflicts have been so shocking that it can be difficult to fully comprehend the extent of the brutality.
  2. Reports of Israeli forces targeting innocent civilians and infants in hospitals have sparked outrage and disbelief around the world.
  3. The widespread destruction caused by Israeli military actions in Gaza has raised concerns about the true motives behind the assaults.

Are Women Equally Violent to Men?

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Violence Feminism Societal norms Leadership
  1. Research shows that women in history, specifically queens, actually expanded territories more than kings. This suggests that while women may have engaged in wars, they were also effective leaders capable of achieving significant goals.
  2. Many claims about women being equally violent as men lack context. Particularly in relationships, women often use violence defensively or due to past trauma, rather than to control or dominate.
  3. The narrative that men are the real victims in domestic violence overlooks the reality that women face greater threats from their partners. Men typically use violence to control women, making it harder for women to leave abusive situations.

Top Links 604 China's booming exports. A new gas pipeline and America's murder epidemic of 2020.

Chartbook • 343 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Trade Economy Public Policy Violence
  1. China's exports are growing a lot because prices for things like solar panels are going down. More products are being sold even if they are cheaper.
  2. A new gas pipeline is being developed, which could affect energy supplies and markets. This could change how countries trade and use gas.
  3. The murder rate in America rose dramatically in 2020, which raised concerns about safety and crime rates in the country. This trend has led to discussions about social issues and law enforcement.

Chartbook 258 War, peace and the return of history in 2023

Chartbook • 2532 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Violence Conflict Globalization International relations
  1. In 2023, there was a surge in violence globally, with factors like weak state power and new rivalries fueling conflicts.
  2. Poor-country conflicts are influenced by global forces, but the impact on the larger picture is limited.
  3. The world is facing a historical shift with conflicts like the Israel-Palestine dispute challenging traditional models of geopolitical alignment.

Mexico's Cartel Map 2024

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 569 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Cartels Mexico President Violence
  1. Cartels in Mexico are larger and more powerful than street gangs, controlling entire territories and influencing local governance.
  2. The division of cartels is analyzed in three levels: major transnational cartels, powerful regional cartels, and local cartels.
  3. Cartel control varies in intensity across different areas in Mexico, with some places experiencing more overt control while others have quieter, but still impactful, operations.

Mexico's Worst Narco Massacres

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 707 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics War Crimes Violence
  1. Massacres in Mexico, like the one in Allende, have gone unnoticed for years, revealing a dark history of violence and cover-ups.
  2. Understanding and documenting these massacres is essential not just for legal purposes but also to prevent their repetition and preserve Mexico's historical memory.
  3. Mexico's drug war has resulted in horrific mass killings since 2010, demonstrating the extreme violence and chaos caused by the conflict.

What Are Cartels?

CrashOut by Ioan Grillo • 707 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Organized Crime Drug Trafficking Violence Law enforcement
  1. The term 'cartel' is commonly used to describe organized crime networks in Mexico, but it can be criticized for being inaccurate and misleading.
  2. Despite critiques, there is clear evidence of powerful criminal networks in Mexico unleashing violence and running various illegal activities.
  3. While there are debates about the terminology, 'cartel' remains a widely understood term to represent these organized crime groups, even though nuances in their structures and operations exist.

Will the Joker Emerge?

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 54 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Violence Public Opinion Political Discourse
  1. There is a growing anger in America towards the healthcare system that many feel fails them, and this anger can sometimes lead to dark admiration for violent actions against those seen as part of the problem.
  2. People across the political spectrum are finding common ground in their discontent, highlighting a significant rift between ordinary citizens and established institutions, including politicians and the media.
  3. As society changes, traditional forms of celebrity and loyalty are diminishing. New figures may emerge who attract attention, but they could challenge the status quo in unexpected ways.