A recent report by the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) indicates that nearly one-third of Americans believe the murder of certain public figures can be at least somewhat justified, a finding highlighted by author and commentator Rob Henderson. The survey data, referenced by Henderson in a social media post and an article for The Times, suggests a concerning trend in public attitudes towards political violence. The findings also reveal a notable partisan divide on the issue.
According to the 2025 NCRI report, 41 percent of Democrats surveyed stated that assassinating a political leader could be at least somewhat justified. This figure stands in contrast to 29 percent of Republicans who held the same view, meaning Democrats were approximately 40 percent more likely to endorse political assassinations in the survey. Rob Henderson, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, shared these statistics, noting that "around half of those identifying as left-of-center—believe that the murder of certain public figures is at least somewhat justified."
Henderson's commentary, including his tweet, underscored the broader implication that "Many believe that political murder and sabotage are acceptable forms of protest." This perspective suggests a growing acceptance of extreme measures within political discourse. The data points to a potential shift in how some segments of the American public perceive the legitimacy of violence as a tool for political change.
The NCRI report and Henderson's analysis raise questions about the state of political polarization and the erosion of norms against political violence in the United States. Such attitudes could have significant implications for social cohesion and the stability of democratic processes. The findings prompt further examination into the factors contributing to these views and their potential impact on the political landscape.
