I think we are there. If there was a riot going down, how hard is it going to be to incite one side or the other into going way beyond their "limits". They would say they could/would use it to quell. But in the current climate, I think they would use it the other way. Incite a crowd of more or less peaceful right-wing protestors into pulling out guns and massacring the opposition. How do you think that would affect gun legislation? From both parties?
In some jurisdictions, carrying weapons is prohibited at political rallies. Me, I believe in speaking softly and carrying a big stick (which you can hang a sign on). Needless to say, it is of paramount importance to avoid such violence. Charlottesville saw one person, likely freaked out, run into a mass of protesters and we saw how that played out--even though the whole confrontational situation was a set-up, and likely intentional.
Keep in mind, the left and criminals are already using social media to set up 'flash mobs' for the purpose of larceny and other nefarious uses. Inciting confrontation is merely a matter of manipulating groupthink to a flash point and staging an incident. I believe people may be pushed to do something they have been programmed to do, either by manipulating media feeds and emotions or by more direct contact. Using Delphi techniques (a few scattered but cooperating agitators in the crowd), an entire mob may be pushed to violence.
But I don't think people can be pushed into doing things they actively resist or deeply hold beliefs against, at least not yet. Always try to be one with a clear head and not emotionally driven. Have the courage to speak out against what is wrong. Be "that guy" who has the guts to say 'NO!" first. It's a gamble, but chances are others can be snapped out of the fog and will join you in objecting to something wrong. Keep in mind with the increase in "You're with us or with them" mentality, it is an increasingly dangerous act--one of the effects of the populist mentality.
With Congress, I'd wager so many are 'dirty' in one way or another that could be made into a career ending incident, that our beliefs, opinions, and desires are meaningless.