Political violence in the United States

Political violence in the United States refers to acts of violence motivated by political beliefs or carried out to achieve political goals. Such violence has occurred throughout American history, from the Revolutionary War to contemporary incidents.

Historical overview

• 18th century: Violence during the American Revolution and conflicts over independence.
• 19th century: Violence around slavery, including Bleeding Kansas, and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865.
• 20th century: Political assassinations such as President John F. Kennedy (1963), Martin Luther King Jr. (1968), and Robert F. Kennedy (1968); domestic terrorism from groups across the spectrum.
• 21st century: Events include the September 11 attacks (2001), the 2017 Congressional baseball shooting, the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol attack, and the Shooting of Charlie Kirk (2025).

Causes and motivations

Political violence can arise from ideological extremism, racial or ethnic hatred, religious motives, or partisan polarization. Both organized groups and lone actors have committed such acts.

Responses

U.S. governments and law-enforcement agencies address political violence through legislation, counterterrorism, and public safety measures. Civil society groups call for de-escalation, dialogue, and bipartisan condemnation of violent acts.