Overview
- Twenty-four percent of Americans say political violence is sometimes justified, while 64% say it is never justified.
- More than one-third of adults under 45 endorse the view that political violence can be warranted, with older Americans far less likely to agree.
- Fifty-five percent expect political violence to increase in the coming years, with concern highest among older respondents.
- A majority believe it is likely a political candidate will be assassinated within five years, including 51% of Trump voters and 53% of Harris voters.
- The online poll of 2,051 U.S. adults was conducted Oct. 18–21 (margin of error ±2.2 points), and Politico reported little partisan divide on justifying violence as coverage linked the findings to recent attacks including Charlie Kirk’s assassination and attempts on Trump.