Nearly 90% of Americans fear rise of politically-motivated violence: Poll

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - Roughly nine in 10 Americans fear that political divisions have become so exacerbated in the US that there is an increased risk of politically-motivated violence, according to a poll released on Friday.

In all 88% of respondents in the Washington Post-ABC News survey said either "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" that political divisions have gotten to the point where there is now an a great possibility of more political violence in the country.

The poll comes less than two years after a mob of former President Donald Trump's supporters violently assaulted the US Capitol in the hopes of preventing US President Joe Biden from assuming office.

Over 880 people have been arrested in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection, with more than 270 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, according to the DC Attorney's Office.

Asked about which party they blame more for the possibility of additional political violence, more respondents faulted the Republican Party. Some 31% faulted the GOP compared 25% who blamed Democrats. Just under one-third -- 32% -- blamed both parties equally.

The Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted in the week after a man violently attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband in the couple's San Francisco home.

Paul Pelosi, 82, was released from Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital on Thursday after undergoing surgery to treat a skull fracture he sustained during the assault.

The alleged attacker, 42-year-old Canadian national David DePape, pleaded not guilty to several charges, including attempted murder.

DePape allegedly shouted "Where's Nancy? Where's Nancy?" during the attack, and authorities have said he was looking for Nancy Pelosi to hold her hostage.