Trending Now - Polls Reveal Political Parties' Stance on Violence and Rhetoric
WHO:
Fox News - Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, Calif., was arrested for allegedly storming the lobby of the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and opening fire.
CNN - President Trump, Rudy Giuliani, Charlie Kirk
CNN - Pew Research Center, NBC News, PRRI, Gallup, Quinnipiac University, Washington Post-ABC News, Cato Institute, Reuters-Ipsos, CBS News-YouGov
WHAT:
Fox News - Allen is facing charges of attempting to assassinate the president of the United States, transporting a firearm across state lines, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Fox News - Authorities reported that Allen sent a written manifesto to family members outlining his intent to target Trump and other Cabinet officials before the alleged shooting.
CNN - 85% of Americans said politically motivated violence was increasing in the United States after Kirk’s assassination.
CNN - The percentage of Americans blaming political rhetoric for violence increased from 24% in 2011 to 61% last year.
CNN - 69% of Americans said Republicans and their supporters had “gone too far in using inflammatory language to criticize their political opponents.”
CNN - 34% of Americans blamed Republicans more for the risk of politically motivated violence, compared to 28% who blamed Democrats.
CNN - 32% of Americans said Democrats had a better approach to violence and extremism, versus 31% who said that about Republicans.
CNN - 17% of Democrats and 19% of Republicans agreed that “true American patriots may have to resort to violence in order to save our country.”
CNN - 13% of Democrats and 10% of Republicans said violence can be justified to achieve political goals.
WHERE:
Fox News - The incident occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
CNN - The US Capitol, White House Correspondents’ Dinner
WHEN:
Fox News - The shooting incident took place on April 25, 2026.
CNN - Kirk’s assassination occurred in September.
CNN - Trump’s assassination attempt occurred in 2024.
CNN - The PRRI poll was conducted late last year.
CNN - A Gallup poll was conducted in October.
WHY:
Fox News - Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., stated that the current political climate and rhetoric from both sides have contributed to escalating tensions and violence.
CNN - Trump argues that Democrats have a problem with political violence, despite polling indicating a majority blame Republicans for inflammatory rhetoric.
CNN - The increase in bipartisan agreement on the role of political rhetoric in violence reflects a shift in public perception.
HOW:
Fox News - Allen was apprehended by the Secret Service as hundreds of journalists and Cabinet officials were evacuated from the hotel.
CNN - Polling data from various organizations was used to assess public opinion on political violence and rhetoric.
(UPDATED April 29, 2026 07:43 UTC)
Cole Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, was arrested for allegedly storming the lobby of the Washington Hilton hotel and opening fire during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. He is facing serious charges, including attempting to assassinate the president, transporting a firearm across state lines, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, with authorities noting that he sent a manifesto outlining his intent to target Trump and other officials. The Secret Service apprehended Allen as hundreds of journalists and Cabinet officials were evacuated from the hotel following the incident, which occurred on April 25, 2026.
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(UPDATED April 28, 2026 21:21 UTC)
Recent polling reveals that 85% of Americans believe politically motivated violence is on the rise following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, with 69% stating that Republicans and their supporters have gone too far with inflammatory language. The data shows a significant shift in public perception, as the percentage of Americans blaming political rhetoric for violence has jumped from 24% in 2011 to 61% last year, and 34% now hold Republicans more responsible for the risk of such violence compared to 28% who blame Democrats. Additionally, 32% of Americans feel Democrats have a better approach to addressing violence and extremism, highlighting a growing bipartisan agreement on the impact of political rhetoric.