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2d ago

After Kirk’s Killing, Public Alarm Rises Even as Extremist Mobilization Falls

Fresh polling shows broad concern about political violence following the Utah shooting.

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FILE PHOTO: U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, accompanied by members of the Republican Party, holds a minute of silence during a vigil for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 15, 2025. REUTERS/Ken Cedeno TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY/File Photo
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Overview

  • Police say conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, and they arrested 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson in connection with the killing.
  • A Morning Consult survey conducted Sept. 10–15 found 86% of U.S. adults are concerned about political violence, with 61% very concerned.
  • A Reuters/Ipsos poll fielded Sept. 12–14 reported that 63% of adults believe the way Americans talk about politics has done a lot to encourage violence.
  • Americans are divided over responsibility: 30% say both left and right share it, 24% blame Republicans, and 22% blame Democrats, according to Morning Consult.
  • Event trackers report declines in organized activity, with ACLED noting nearly 40% fewer U.S. demonstrations in August and a one‑third drop in extremist group events to a five‑year low, a trend echoed by Princeton’s Bridging Divides Initiative and the SPLC.