A new NBC News poll shows a rare point of agreement among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents: most believe that “extremist political rhetoric” played a major role in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
According to Fox News, the survey notes 54% of Democrats said they believe that extreme rhetoric from “some in the media and by political leaders” was a major factor in Kirk’s killing. Among Republicans, that share rose sharply to 73%. Independents were closely aligned with Democrats, with 53% saying the same.
Overall, 61% of Americans said rhetoric contributed to Kirk’s death.
Just 28% said the killing was due more to the actions of a disturbed individual acting alone. Another 4% said it was a mix of both factors.
The poll represents the first time in 15 years of NBC News data that majorities across all major political groups agree that political rhetoric played a major role in a violent incident. Researchers noted a clear trend: Americans have increasingly blamed heated rhetoric on lone individuals when assessing acts of political violence.
After the 2011 shooting of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, 71% of respondents blamed the attacker, while only 24% blamed political rhetoric. By the time of President Donald Trump’s second assassination attempt, public opinion had shifted — 54% blamed rhetoric, compared to 37% who pointed to the attacker alone.
Kirk’s killing has added another emotional flashpoint to an already polarized climate. His alleged assassin, Tyler Robinson, is facing a capital murder trial in Utah. Family members have said he became politically extreme in the year before the shooting and moved “further and further to the left.”
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and other offenses, which could carry the death penalty. He has not yet entered a plea.
Ahead of his next court date, Judge Tony Graf granted a defense request to allow Robinson to wear civilian clothing during proceedings, citing the presumption of innocence. However, the judge denied a request to remove Robinson’s shackles.
Robinson’s next hearing is set for Jan. 16, 2026, marking his first in-person appearance as the high-profile case continues to unfold.
