Poll Finds 24% Young Americans Justify Political Violence Amid Rising Attacks

Recent surveys reveal a troubling rise in American acceptance of political violence, especially among younger adults, with over one-third under 45 believing it can be justified. While 64% of Americans reject political violence outright, 24% acknowledge circumstances where it might be warranted, reflecting a growing mainstream tolerance beyond fringe groups. This sentiment persists across party lines, with little partisan divide, but a strong generational split. Many Americans expect politically motivated attacks to increase, with more than half anticipating a political candidate's assassination within five years, highlighting widespread national anxiety fueled by recent violent incidents such as the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and attempts on President Donald Trump. Scholars note the U.S. is no longer on the brink but entrenched in an era of violent populism, with political violence seen as a bipartisan concern exacerbated by deep polarization and mutual demonization between parties. Despite broad recognition of extremism on both the left and right, Americans tend to view the opposing side as the greater threat, underscoring the entrenched divisions contributing to the violence climate.