A new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll found that nearly one-third of Americans believe political violence may be necessary to ‘get the country back on track,’ marking a notable shift in public opinion.
Story Snapshot
- Nearly a third of Americans now support political violence as a means of restoring the country.
- This represents a significant increase from 19% in 2023.
- Recent high-profile attacks have fueled these sentiments.
- Experts warn of severe risks to democracy if this trend continues.
Rising Support for Political Violence
According to a recent PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, nearly one-third of American adults now believe that political violence may be necessary. This figure has surged from just 19% a year and a half ago, reflecting a dramatic shift in public opinion. Researchers, including Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, have linked the rise in such views to recent high-profile violent incidents targeting political figures and activists. Such incidents have not only shocked the nation but also seem to have emboldened those who see violence as a viable political tool.
Political scientists such as Lilliana Mason of Johns Hopkins University note that the poll’s findings suggest a growing acceptance of violence in political discourse. Experts including Robert Pape, director of the University of Chicago Project on Security and Threats, attribute this rise to increasing polarization and distrust between opposing factions. This alarming trend underscores the potential for further destabilization of democratic institutions and the erosion of public trust in peaceful political processes.
High-Profile Incidents Amplifying the Trend
The surge in support for political violence coincides with several violent acts that have captured national attention. For instance, the June 2025 killing of a Democratic state legislator and her husband in Minnesota, followed by the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, have both reflected and possibly fueled these violent sentiments. These incidents illustrate how public sentiment and acts of violence can influence one another in a reinforcing cycle, according to political scientist Rachel Kleinfeld of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Such incidents have not only heightened fear and security concerns but also contributed to further polarization. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the role of media and political rhetoric in amplifying fears and divisions cannot be overlooked. Some analysts argue that sensationalized coverage and inflammatory rhetoric may exacerbate perceptions of threat and the necessity of violence.
Addressing the Alarming Trend
In light of these developments, experts emphasize the urgent need for bipartisan efforts to de-escalate tensions and restore faith in the democratic process. Without such efforts, the normalization of political violence poses a severe threat to civil society and democracy. Leaders from across the political spectrum are called upon to foster dialogue and reconciliation, aiming to bridge the widening divide.
Shock new poll shows that adults increasingly think political violence is necessary to ‘get country back on track’ https://t.co/TjiAFb7L8v
— InformedNotInflamed (@JohnDalyNews) October 2, 2025
While the current situation is fraught with challenges, the path forward requires a commitment to peaceful political engagement and the reinforcement of democratic norms. By addressing the root causes of polarization and distrust, it may still be possible to avert the further normalization of violence as a political strategy.
Sources:
Left-Wing Terrorism and Political Violence in the United States: What the Data Tells Us
