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30% of Americans Support Violence for Political Change

10/3/2025

46 8 Full Breakdown

Center

Rising Political Violence

30% of Americans say violence may be necessary to restore the country, up from 19% 18 months ago.
77% view political violence as a major issue.
49% fear violence against public officials; 50% fear violence against protesters.
57% of Republicans see left-wing violence as a bigger problem; 50% of Democrats see right-wing violence as more concerning.

Right

Miller's Counterterrorism Strategy

The assassination of Charlie Kirk heightens partisan tensions, with Republicans and Democrats trading accusations of incitement.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller unveiled a counterterrorism strategy to dismantle radical left-wing groups, vowing to dismantle them one by one.
The NSPM executive order seeks to address these threats as political violence remains a major concern.

Left

Khanna Critiques Terrorism Definition

NSPM-7 expands the definition of domestic terrorism, potentially criminalizing dissent.
Critics, including Rep. Ro Khanna, warn the order could infringe free speech.
The order aims to investigate political violence, emphasizing markers such as anti-Americanism and anti-capitalism.
A Marquette poll finds nearly half view aggressive political language as raising violence risk, with partisan divides on threat source.

History

Historical Context

The 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago witnessed significant protests, with over 10,000 demonstrators clashing with police, reflecting deep societal divisions. This unrest echoed earlier political violence in the U.S., which has surged since 2016, with 30% of Americans now viewing violence as a necessary means for change. The NSPM-7 executive order highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political expression and safety.

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Rising Political Violence

30% of Americans say violence may be necessary to restore the country, up from 19% 18 months ago.
77% view political violence as a major issue.
49% fear violence against public officials; 50% fear violence against protesters.
57% of Republicans see left-wing violence as a bigger problem; 50% of Democrats see right-wing violence as more concerning.

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