Majority of Americans fear rising ‘political violence’ in US: Rasmussen Reports

Investigators look for evidence in a parking lot of Eugene Simpson Field, the site where a gunman opened fire, June 14, 2017 in Alexandria, Virginia. (AFP photo)

The majority of Americans believe “political violence” is rising in the United States and the current tone of politics and debate is encouraging violence, according to two new polls.

A survey by Rasmussen Reports published Monday finds that 76 percent of likely US voters say there is a greater danger of political violence these days compared to past years.

Only six percent feel there is less of a danger of political violence, while 16 percent say the potential for violence is about the same.

“If there’s one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on, it’s that there’s a greater danger of political violence these days,” the report said.

A CBS News poll also found that Americans of all political leanings overwhelmingly say that the tone and level of civility in their political debates has been getting worse in recent years.

Three-quarters of Americans feel the current tone of politics and debate is encouraging violence among some people, the poll shows.

The surveys come following the recent shooting of a Congressman and four other people in Alexandria, Virginia. James Hodgkinson, the man identified as the shooter, died following a gun battle with police.

Hodgkinson was a firm supporter of last year’s Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and had expressed hatred of Republicans and President Donald Trump.

"Trump is a Traitor. Trump Has Destroyed Our Democracy. It's Time to Destroy Trump & Co.," he posted on his personal Facebook page on March 22. "Republicans are the Taliban of the USA," he posted in February.

Since his inauguration, Trump has faced a wave of protests and rallies condemning his divisive rhetoric and controversial policies.