Thread by @BelleResist

I've been debating for a while now whether or not to share this personal story, but I think I need to. Buckle up - we're going to talk about threats, trauma, mental illness, and gun violence. This is what happens when Trumpism comes home to roost. 1/

I have a relative who has been struggling with mental illness his whole life. He is prone to mania and rages and lives in another state. I usually do not talk to him much. In recent years he's started to get more and more conservative, and he is a Trump supporter. 2/

Some of his favorite subjects to talk about are gun rights and immigration. He owns a gun. Again, I don't typically have contact with him. 3/

A while back he sent me a text tirade out of the blue, prompted by nothing that I said as far as I know. I did not respond to it. I have screenshots but will not share them here. He raged at me for my position on gun control and told me he wanted to come shoot up my town. 4/

Then he started screaming at me that I hated men and was a misandrist. It was, quite frankly, terrifying. I have blocked the relative and cut off all contact, but now, weeks later, it is still giving me nightmares and anxiety. 5/

He has sent threats to other relatives too, even more graphic descriptions of the violence he'd like to enact on them. Now, remember, he is mentally ill. He is miserable and does not have the help he needs, and I am truly sorry for him that he suffers like this. 6/

But I don't think we can ignore the culture of right wing politics and toxic masculinity that has exacerbated the situation. I knew that other women have received violent, angry threats from men who disagree with them politically; I haven't. I seldom get messages from trolls. 7/

But I can't adequately express how it feels to be on the receiving end of such poisonous, hateful vitriol from someone I have known my whole life. Even though I logically believe I have little reason to fear for my physical safety, the words alone have traumatized me. 8/

So, my reason for bringing all this up? To hopefully heal a little by sharing my story, to make it clear that women DO receive these threats and they are credible and scary. This man fits ALL the profiles of a potential mass shooter. 9/

When women tell you they hear this sort of thing, BELIEVE them, and take it seriously. This is the result of three intersecting issues: right wing rhetoric, toxic masculinity, and inadequately addressed mental illness. These are huge issues that cannot be solved easily. 10/

But they are issues we MUST take seriously and find a way to address as a nation. This problem is not going to go away; it's only going to get worse if we don't recognize that it exists, acknowledge its seriousness, and address it. 11/

If you are a woman who had received threats, REPORT it. Take care of yourself, your mental health, and your own safety. And feel free to share your story with me if you like, either in this thread or via DM. I can anonymously share stories here that I am told in private. 12/

Please let me know if you would like me to share your story without identifying you. Thank you, and know that you are NOT alone. ❤️ 13/13

ADDENDUM 1: To those asking, yes, I have contacted both the police and adult welfare services in his area. This led to major family fallout, but it was necessary.

ADDENDUM 2: It's worth noting that my town already was the subject of a mass shooting. The year after I graduated, my high school was the site of a school shooting where two died, including someone I knew, and about 20 or so were injured, including friends of mine.