A new national poll conducted by Quinnipiac University reveals a striking bipartisan consensus among American voters: the United States is grappling with a profound political crisis.
The survey, conducted in the wake of the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, found that 79% of registered voters nationwide believe the country is in a state of political turmoil, with only 18% disagreeing.
This sentiment cuts across party lines, with 93% of Democrats, 84% of independents, and 60% of Republicans sharing the view that the nation is in crisis. The findings point to a growing unease about the state of American democracy, driven by recent high-profile incidents of violence and a polarized political climate.
“The Kirk assassination lays bare raw, bipartisan concerns about where the country is headed,” said Tim Malloy, a polling analyst at Quinnipiac University. The survey, conducted from September 18–21 with 1,276 self-identified registered voters, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percentage points, offering a reliable snapshot of public sentiment at a pivotal moment.
A Wave of Political Violence Shakes the Nation
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a prominent conservative media figure, has intensified fears about political violence.
Kirk, a close ally and advisor to President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, was fatally shot while speaking at a college campus event at Utah Valley University earlier this month. His death sent shockwaves through the political landscape, amplifying concerns about the safety of public figures and the stability of civic discourse.
This incident is part of a troubling series of violent acts targeting political leaders. Earlier this summer, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband were m*rdered in their home. In a related incident, a top Democratic state senator and his wife, who lived nearby, were shot and seriously wounded.
These attacks follow last year’s attempted assassinations of President Trump, which further heightened public alarm about the rising threat of politically motivated violence. Together, these events paint a grim picture of a nation struggling to maintain civility amid deep ideological divides.
The Quinnipiac poll highlights the gravity of these concerns, with 71% of voters describing politically motivated violence as a very serious problem and 22% viewing it as somewhat serious. Only 4% believe it is not a significant issue.
This marks a sharp increase from the university’s June 26 poll, which found 54% of respondents considered political violence very serious, 37% somewhat serious, 6% not so serious, and 2% not a problem at all. The shift in public perception reflects the escalating impact of recent events on the national psyche.
A Pessimistic Outlook for Political Discourse and Stability
The poll also reveals widespread skepticism about the possibility of de-escalating the nation’s heated political rhetoric. Nearly six in 10 voters (58%) doubt that it will be possible to lower the temperature of political speech in the United States, while just over one-third hold out hope for improvement.
This pessimism is compounded by fears about the future trajectory of political violence. A majority—54%—predict that such violence will worsen over the next few years, while 27% expect it to remain unchanged and only 14% believe it will decrease.
These findings point to a crisis of confidence in the mechanisms of American democracy. Voters appear increasingly concerned that the institutions and norms meant to foster constructive dialogue are eroding under the weight of polarization and extremism. The assassination of Kirk, combined with other recent acts of violence, has amplified calls for leaders across the political spectrum to address the root causes of division and restore a sense of shared purpose.
The Quinnipiac University poll offers a sobering assessment of the challenges facing the United States.
As the nation navigates this turbulent period, the path forward will require careful reflection on how to balance free expression with public safety, strengthen democratic institutions, and rebuild trust among a deeply divided electorate. For now, the data suggests that Americans, regardless of political affiliation, are united in their concern for the future of their country.
