A physical assault on a teenage conservative activist, leaked political “hit lists,” and shockingly violent podcast rhetoric are being framed as the left’s unmasked true nature in a blistering American Thinker editorial titled “The Mask Drops.” The piece argues that recent Democratic electoral gains have unleashed long-suppressed authoritarian impulses.
The Slap Seen Across New Hampshire
The op-ed opens with an alleged November 8 incident in Laconia, NH, where 70-year-old Steven Redic reportedly struck 18-year-old Turning Point USA volunteer Rainer Vesey at a polling place. Describing cellphone footage, author J.R. Dunn characterizes Redic as delivering “an unhinged tirade” before the physical attack, which led to his arrest for simple assault and disorderly conduct.
The Lists Begin
Simultaneously, Dunn claims a 182-page document circulated among Democrats targeting tech giants (Apple, Amazon, Google), executives (including Elon Musk), the Trump family, and former administration officials for retribution. While the article provides no sourcing for this document’s origins, it positions the list as evidence of impending political persecution.
Podcast Violence Goes Mainstream
Most damningly, the piece highlights podcaster Jennifer Welch’s since-deleted remarks about desecrating Turning Point founder Charlie Kirk’s grave to “kill him again” — followed by hysterical laughter with co-host Angie Sullivan. Welch falsely claimed Kirk had been murdered by “White MAGA” extremists, according to the editorial. Major sponsors including Cash App and Chewy subsequently dropped Welch’s show.
“This Is Who They’ve Always Been”
Dunn contends these aren’t isolated incidents but a pattern: “They’re not going out of control. They’ve always been this way.” The argument suggests Democratic electoral confidence has removed inhibitions against violence and authoritarianism. The editorial concludes by urging conservatives to weaponize these “mask off” moments while lamenting the right’s inability to capitalize on them.
Notably absent is any Democratic response to the allegations or context about the cited incidents. The piece frames itself as an exposé of the left’s “bloodthirsty, destructive” core now brazenly on display.
Source: www.americanthinker.com — https://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2026/11/the-mask-drops/