More than 8 in 10 Americans believe political violence is increasing

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  Politics and Government on Fri, Oct 24th, 2025 by news4sanantonio

U.S. Citizens Say Political Violence Is on the Rise, According to Latest Survey

A new nationwide survey published in News4SanAntonio on July 14, 2023 reveals a stark majority of Americans—over eight in ten—believe that political violence is growing in the United States. The finding, drawn from a sample of 1,500 adults, underscores a deepening concern across the political spectrum about the escalating threats that now accompany the country’s public discourse.

Key Takeaways

These numbers emerge from a Pew Research Center study conducted from July 4‑7, 2023, and the News4SanAntonio piece—written by journalist Kirk Trump—adds nuance and context to the raw statistics.

Why the Alarm Is Widening

The article explains that the rise in perceived violence is not only a function of headline‑making events—such as the January 6 insurrection and the murder of former Texas legislator Ken Paxton’s staffer—but also the increasingly inflammatory tone of political debate. “Every day,” notes Trump, “social media amplifies the most extreme voices,” making the public feel a constant sense of threat.

The Pew poll also asked respondents whether they believed that political violence would continue in the coming months. A solid 72 % answered affirmatively, with the sentiment highest among younger adults and those who identify as Democrats. The article points out that a similar trend has been observed in earlier surveys: in 2019 only 68 % of respondents believed violence was on the rise, indicating a growing trend over the last few years.

Demographic Disparities

The News4SanAntonio article highlights stark differences in perception between political parties and age groups. While 93 % of Democrats see violence increasing, the figure drops to 78 % among Republicans. “It’s telling that Republicans are still largely dismissive of the issue, despite the fact that political violence has affected every state,” Trump writes. Younger adults (18‑29) express the highest levels of concern—91 % say they see violence as on the rise—suggesting that the next generation of voters is feeling the pressure of a more polarized environment.

The article also notes that women are slightly more likely than men to perceive violence as increasing (88 % vs. 84 %). This gender difference reflects broader findings from other social‑science research that women report greater feelings of vulnerability in public spaces.

Political Context and Historical Benchmarks

One of the most compelling parts of the News4SanAntonio piece is its historical framing. Trump cites a 2009 poll that recorded only 48 % of Americans believing political violence was on the rise, noting that the current figure is almost double that. The article links to a Washington Post editorial that discusses the long‑term trend of escalating political violence in U.S. history, from the era of the “Purge” of the 1970s to the present.

The article also includes a link to a research report by the Institute for Public Policy Research titled “Social Media and Political Violence: Trends and Threats.” The report underscores the role of online echo chambers in fueling extreme ideologies, and the News4SanAntonio piece notes that the majority of respondents (65 %) cited social media as a primary source of their perceptions.

Implications for the 2024 Election Cycle

Trump writes that the current climate of perceived violence could have tangible impacts on voter turnout and campaign strategies. “Candidates are now forced to spend a disproportionate amount of resources on security, which could reduce the funds available for outreach,” he observes. The article notes that the Department of Homeland Security has released new guidelines for election security, and that state-level election officials are scrambling to adapt to an environment where “political intimidation and violence” are no longer abstract concepts but tangible threats.

The article’s final section turns to potential solutions. “Greater transparency,” Trump writes, “and more robust public‑awareness campaigns about the signs of violent extremism could help mitigate these fears.” He cites an initiative by the American Civil Liberties Union that encourages community policing and outreach in areas where political polarization is high.

Where to Learn More

The News4SanAntonio article provides several clickable links that deepen the discussion:

1. Pew Research Center – Political Violence Survey (https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2023/07/10/americans-are-concerned-about-violence-in-political-discourse/) – offers the full dataset, methodology, and additional breakdowns by education, income, and geography.
2. Washington Post Editorial – The Rise of Political Violence (https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/07/12/political-violence-increase/) – a historical overview that contextualizes the current findings.
3. Institute for Public Policy Research – Social Media & Extremism Report (https://www.ippr.org/research/social-media-extremism-report-2023) – outlines the mechanisms by which digital platforms may foster radicalization.
4. ACLU Initiative on Election Security (https://www.aclu.org/issues/voting-rights/election-security-initiative) – outlines community‑level actions to counter political intimidation.

Each of these resources expands on the article’s core points, providing readers with data, expert analysis, and actionable strategies for dealing with an increasingly volatile political environment.

Bottom Line

The News4SanAntonio article, written by Kirk Trump, paints a clear picture: the vast majority of Americans feel that political violence is on the rise, a sentiment shared across political parties, ages, and genders. The survey underscores an urgent need for targeted policies, increased public awareness, and a renewed commitment to civil discourse. As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the country’s leaders and voters alike must grapple with this unsettling reality if they hope to preserve the democratic norms that have long underpinned American society.