Is the U.S. in a new era of political violence? Experts say it's complicated

"A cluster of high-profile political attacks in the U.S. spotlight the nation's extreme divisionsbut they don't necessarily signal a broader uptick in politically inspired brutality, experts say. Politicians, pundits and ordinary Americans are increasingly worried about political violence."

"The latest round of concern was sparked on April 25, when a 31-year-old man stormed the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C., during the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, where President Donald Trump was in attendance. Secret Service agents arrested the armed man before he could get to the ballroom where the event was being held."

"He has since been charged with attempted assassination of the presidentwhich would represent the third serious attempt on Trump's life since 2024. The man has pled not guilty to this and related charges. The alleged assassination attempt follows a string of other political attacks in 2025: an arson attack on Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro; the murder of Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband; and the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk."

"In a 2025 Pew Research Center poll conducted after Kirk's assassination, 85 percent of respondents said they believed political violence was increasing in the U.S.largely because of partisan rhetoric, polarization and an unwillingness to engage with others who hold different views. Yet according to some researchers studying political violence, it's unclear whether recent attacks constitute a new era of political violence."

A series of high-profile political attacks in the United States has intensified concern about extreme national divisions and political violence. On April 25, a 31-year-old man stormed the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with President Donald Trump present, and Secret Service agents arrested him before he reached the ballroom. He was charged with attempted assassination of the president and has pleaded not guilty. The alleged attempt follows other 2025 attacks, including arson targeting Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, the murder of Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. A 2025 Pew Research Center poll found 85% of respondents believed political violence was increasing, citing partisan rhetoric, polarization, and reluctance to engage across differing views, while researchers say it remains unclear whether recent incidents represent a broader new trend.

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