Majority of Americans Believe Political Violence in the US is Increasing

Strategic Insights -

A new survey from the Pew Research Center reveals a staggering 85% of respondents believe that politically motivated violence is on the rise in the United States. The findings, released Thursday, show a clear partisan divide, with 86% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats agreeing that violence is increasing. However, the survey also highlights a significant disparity in perceived threats, with 77% of Republicans citing left-wing extremism as a major problem, compared to 76% of Democrats worrying about right-wing extremism. Meanwhile, 40% of respondents from both parties pointed to extremism from individuals without clear political views as a major issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • 85% of respondents believe that politically motivated violence is increasing, with 86% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats in agreement.
  • A clear partisan divide exists in perceived threats, with 77% of Republicans citing left-wing extremism and 76% of Democrats worrying about right-wing extremism.
  • 40% of respondents from both parties pointed to extremism from individuals without clear political views as a major problem.
  • 28% of Democrats mentioned the rhetoric and behavior of Trump, elected Republicans or the MAGA movement as a potential explanation for political violence.
  • Republican respondents, on the other hand, mentioned the rhetoric and behavior of Democratic officials or liberals as a possible explanation (16%).
  • Other cited explanations for political violence include political polarization (11%), lack of understanding (10%), normalization of violence (9%), social media (6%), and traditional media (6%).
  • 49% of Republicans and 47% of Democrats said extremism from those without clear political views is a major problem.
  • The survey found that multiple instances of recent political violence and threats against public officials in the US have contributed to respondents' concerns.

Statistics:

  • 85% of respondents believe that politically motivated violence is increasing.
  • 86% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats agree that politically motivated violence is increasing.
  • 77% of Republicans cite left-wing extremism as a major problem.
  • 76% of Democrats worry about right-wing extremism.
  • 40% of respondents from both parties point to extremism from individuals without clear political views as a major problem.
  • 28% of Democrats mention the rhetoric and behavior of Trump, elected Republicans or the MAGA movement as a potential explanation for political violence.
  • 16% of Republicans mention the rhetoric and behavior of Democratic officials or liberals as a possible explanation.

Sources:

  • The Hill (reporting on the Pew Research Center survey).
  • Pew Research Center (September 22-28, 3,445 US adults polled online or via phone).