Overview

• University of New Hampshire polling conducted Sept. 17–23 found 74% of New Hampshire residents are at least somewhat worried about being victimized by politically motivated violence, a higher share than those worried about mass shootings (65%) or foreign terrorism (40%).
• The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist national survey reports roughly 30% say violence may be necessary to get the country back on track, up sharply since April 2024, including a rise among Democrats from 12% to 28%, with Republicans at 31% and independents at 25%.
• A strong majority still reject using violence, with 79% opposed overall, and 77% describe political violence as a major concern, even as respondents split on whether they worry more about attacks on public officials (49%) or protesters (50%).
• Partisan views diverge on perceived targets, with 70% of Democrats most concerned about violence toward protesters and 74% of Republicans most concerned about violence toward public officials.
• Research cited in the coverage notes left-wing terrorist incidents increased in the first half of 2025 and surpassed far-right activity during that period, as experts warn that public misperceptions of opponents’ willingness to use violence can lower barriers to extremism.