85% of Americans Report Rising Politically Motivated Violence Amid Deepening Polarization

A recent social media post by user "Liz4SF" has ignited discussions surrounding political violence and the perceived justification of assaults based on political affiliation, reflecting broader concerns among the American public. The tweet condemned a question about identifying as a "Trump supporter or supporting ICE," stating, > "what a asinine question... 'do you identify yourself as a trump supporter or supporting ICE' - as if that somehow warrants getting assaulted." This sentiment underscores a growing unease about the escalation of political tensions.

The user further criticized those allegedly celebrating politically motivated acts, remarking, > "these are the same people celebrating the m*rder of a young father for asking thoughtful questions." This statement appears to reference the widely reported murder of conservative political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, an event that has heightened national debate on political extremism.

A Pew Research Center survey conducted in late September 2025 revealed that a striking 85% of Americans believe politically motivated violence is on the rise. This perception is consistent across the political spectrum, with 86% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats sharing this view. The survey also highlighted a significant partisan divide regarding the sources of extremism, with Republicans primarily identifying left-wing extremism as a major problem (77%) and Democrats pointing to right-wing extremism (76%).

Experts attribute the current climate to "affective polarization," an emotional dislike between opposing political groups that transcends policy disagreements. This phenomenon, exacerbated by political leaders and media narratives, has contributed to an environment where individuals may feel justified in hostile actions against those with differing views. While studies indicate that reducing this emotional polarization does not directly curb antidemocratic attitudes or support for violence, the public's perception of increasing political animosity remains a critical concern.