Do Violent Protests Affect Expressions of Party Identity? Evidence from the Capitol Insurrection

The insurrection at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, was most dramatic contemporary manifestation of deep political polarization in States. Recent research shows that violent protests shape behavior and attachments, but several questions remain unanswered. Using day-level panel data from a large sample US social media users to track changes identities expressed their Twitter biographies, we show caused large-scale decrease outward expressions identification with Republican Party Donald Trump, no indication reidentification weeks followed. This finding suggests there are limits party loyalty: attack democratic institutions sets boundaries partisanship, even among avowed partisans. Furthermore, violence can deflect copartisans carries potential positive implication those who encourage or associate themselves such pay cost.