A new study shows that a growing number of Gen Z Americans think political violence can sometimes be justified to bring about political change. This trend is concerning, as acts of politically motivated violence in the US are rising.
The study points to several factors, including dissatisfaction with the economy and politics, as well as the influence of social media and changing cultural norms.
Growing acceptance of political violence among Gen Z
Recent polling by YouGov reveals that 20% of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) believes that violence can sometimes be justified to achieve political goals.
This is double the rate of older generations, with only 14% of millennials, 8% of Gen X, and just 3% of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation agreeing with that statement.
While young people have often been more open to the idea of using violence to create political change, study suggest that the situation in the US is more complex now.
Disillusionment with the political system, frustration over economic hardships, and the power of social media have all contributed to this disturbing trend.
Acts of political violence involving Gen Z suspects
The rise in politically motivated violence is evident in several high-profile attacks over the last year. In 2024, an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump occurred during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where a gunman shot him in the ear.
In December, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed in New York City. More recently, in September 2025, right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was murdered in Utah.
All of these incidents involved young men, with the suspects being in their 20s, many from Gen Z.
Prosecutors say some of these young men acted out of ideological hatred. For example, Luigi Mangione, accused of killing Thompson, reportedly had a manifesto in which he denounced health insurers as “parasites.”
In Kirk’s case, the suspect, Tyler Robinson, was motivated by political beliefs, though the exact details remain unclear.
He had become more politically active over the past year, shifting from conservative to more left-leaning views, especially around issues like LGBTQIA+ rights.
As reported by NewsWeek, social media plays a significant role in shaping the views of younger people, often amplifying extreme political opinions.
In addition, the economic challenges faced by many young Americans, including job insecurity and high housing costs, are contributing to feelings of frustration and anger.
According to McKinsey research, many Gen Z workers hold multiple jobs, yet still struggle to make ends meet, earning only $30,000 to $35,000 annually, well below what is needed to afford a decent living.
More than half of Gen Z workers live paycheck to paycheck, and the cost of living continues to rise, especially in expensive cities like Los Angeles.
These economic pressures have led many young people to feel that the political system is failing them, which could be a reason why some are more willing to justify violence as a means to force change.
Study shows that Gen Z has less faith in traditional political systems and democracy. A 2023 survey revealed that 42% of young people globally supported the idea of military rule, compared to just 20% of older generations.
Many Gen Z members also expressed support for “strong leaders” who can bypass elections.
In 2021, the storming of the US Capitol by Trump supporters highlighted how political violence can be seen by some as a tool to achieve political goals.
A YouGov survey in December 2024 showed that 16% of Gen Z supported the Capitol rioters’ actions, compared to just 14% of the general adult population.
Political violence, once viewed as an extreme option, is slowly becoming a more accepted idea for some younger Americans, especially when they feel their voices are not heard.
Whether driven by economic stress, political polarisation, or the influence of social media, the trend is concerning, as it challenges the principles of democracy and peaceful political discourse.