WASHINGTON (AP) — As political tensions have escalated in the wake of high-profile assassinations this year, such as conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah and shootings involving Democratic legislators in Minnesota, a new AP-NORC poll reveals surprising generational differences in concerns about political violence.
Approximately 40% of U.S. adults express concern about political violence against both conservatives and liberals, yet the poll highlights a notable trend: younger adults, particularly those under 30, are significantly less worried. While 44% of adults overall fear violence directed at conservative figures or groups and 41% about violence against liberals, only about 30% of younger adults share this anxiety.
Ryan Striker, a 34-year-old music teacher from New Hampshire, reflects this sentiment, stating, I worry because anytime political violence happens, it seems like it can be a snowball effect.” Conversely, older individuals like 74-year-old Tony DiGiovine remember past events such as the Kent State shootings, with stronger fears of potential violence in today’s climate.
The divide extends to concerns about free speech, as the poll reveals that about 40% of U.S. adults believe both conservatives’ and liberals' free speech is under threat. Yet, while nearly half of those aged 60 and above express worry about threats to conservatives’ speech, only about one-quarter of those under 30 feel the same about either side.
When questioned about fundamental rights, respondents indicated a significant threat to freedom of speech and press; however, age differences are stark in perceptions of voting rights. Merely 20% of those under 30 view voting rights as significantly threatened, while around 40% of seniors do.
In terms of political affiliation, Republicans and Democrats showed higher levels of concern for violence targeting their respective groups. About 60% of Republicans are highly concerned about violence against conservatives, while the same percentage applies to Democrats worried about attacks on liberals.
This ideological divide suggests that younger independent voters, while concerned overall, are less inclined to feel threatened personally, indicating a unique perspective shaped by their current life experiences and societal issues. As 23-year-old Max Anderson affirms, extreme political actions may seem increasingly attractive to those feeling disconnected from conventional solutions.
Overall, the AP-NORC poll reflects not only the polarized political atmosphere but also the generational gulf in how Americans perceive risks associated with political violence and threats to fundamental liberties.
The poll surveyed 1,289 adults from October 9-13, with a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points.
