It’s a new year, but the problem of political violence still plagues us. As policymakers search for solutions, the benefits of privacy reform should not be forgotten.

The latest incident occurred on January 5, when a man used a hammer to smash the windows of Vice President JD Vance’s family home in Cincinnati, Ohio. The man also damaged a vehicle belonging to a federal agent who was watching the property.

The man’s attorney and family blamed mental health issues and said politics were not a motivating factor in the attack. Nevertheless, the incident is a reminder of how easily politically prominent people – from the president and vice president to state officials, party leaders, and donors – can become targets for violence and harassment.

While the shock of a hammer attack at the home of the vice president grabbed headlines, it is just one of many concerning incidents involving threats to political leaders over the past year. In multiple cases, people have been convicted for threatening the lives of the president or vice president. Tragically, last year saw actual assassinations of political figures, including Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and conservative activist leader Charlie Kirk.

Political violence is a complex problem to solve, but there are tested reforms available to make participation in public life safer. People United for Privacy Foundation’s model legislation, the Protect Donors at Home Act, would redact campaign donors’ home addresses and employers from public reports to make it harder for malicious actors to track them down and seek retribution for their giving and beliefs. We have also supported reforms to shield state and local officials’ private residencies from government websites.

In today’s world, where individuals across the planet are connected by smartphones and social media, it is easier than ever for extremists and unwell individuals to track down and harass their perceived enemies and political opponents. In this environment, laws that expose sensitive personal information, such as our home addresses or employers, put Americans at risk when exercising their right to participate in the political process.

The president and vice president have security to protect themselves and their families, but most Americans do not. As political violence continues to be a major concern, privacy reforms can help shield vulnerable people from harm.