What's Causing a Rise in Political Violence?

The third assassination attempt on President Trump has caused some to speculate about an increase in political violence and its causes.

The Details: Cole Allen has been identified as the suspect in a recent assassination attempt on Trump during the White House Correspondents' Dinner this weekend. Allen was reportedly armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said the motive was not immediately clear but that "preliminary" findings suggest he was targeting administration officials and "likely" Trump himself. 

Rise in Political Violence: According to Pew Research Center (Center bias), 85% of Americans think political violence is increasing. CNN (Lean Left) cited a PRRI poll showing 44% of people think right-wing groups are responsible for more political violence compared to 41% who said left-wing groups. A recent study also found that extremists were exploiting political violence online to recruit people to their causes. New York Times (Lean Left) compared today's political violence with the 1960s and '70s, but noted not much data is available for strong comparison. In addition, AllSides conducted a national deliberative study on how Americans understand political violence, what they believe drives it, and how they think it can be prevented. Read it here.

RELATED: How Americans Understand Political Violence: Findings from AllSides' National Deliberative Group Study

'Violent Rhetoric': The Trump administration blamed the recent attack on divisive rhetoric from Democrats and news outlets, which it called "reckless" and "inflammatory." A Fox News opinion (Right) argued the left doesn't want to "bring down the temperature," and that they're "mired in conspiracy theories," which leads to violence. The National Desk (Right) quoted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt describing Democrat and media figures' "demonization" of Trump and called them a "left-wing cult of hatred." CNN noted data showing 66% of Democrats and 46% of Republicans said violence language and hate symbols contribute "a lot" to violent actions. Christian Science Monitor (Center) noted some Democrats have said Trump "frequently uses inflammatory and even violent political rhetoric." Another CNN article also criticized Trump's rhetoric, describing it as hypocritical. 

Other Causes: Several outlets on the left highlighted other probable causes of political violence. The Washington Post (Lean Left) said things like social upheaval, political polarization and social media are primary drivers. CNN noted the percentage of those blaming mental illness has increased from 24% in 2011 to 61% in 2025. Vox (Left) cited a Pew Research Center poll indicating that polarization and a growing acceptance of violence are also contributing factors. Another National Desk article said social media algorithms and anonymity feed into political violence.

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