Survey Reveals Strong Desire for Leaders to Promote Civility
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) A vigil was held at Utah Valley University on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at the UCCU Center in memory of Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, following his tragic death on campus.
Following the recent shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, a significant portion of the state’s population expresses deep concern over the escalation of political violence across the nation. However, fewer individuals fear that such violence will directly impact their local communities.
According to a recent poll by Noble Predictive Insights, based in Arizona, 58% of Utah residents are “very concerned” about political violence in the U.S., with an additional 30% being “somewhat concerned.”
When it comes to violence within Utah, 43% of respondents are “very concerned,” while 34% are “somewhat concerned.”
The survey, conducted with over 600 registered voters in Utah between Sept. 22 and 26, took place shortly after Kirk’s death at Utah Valley University in Orem.
“The findings indicate that Utahns don’t see their state as the epicenter of political turmoil but rather as part of a broader national issue,” stated Mike Noble, founder and CEO of Noble Predictive Insights.
A vast majority, 85%, believe that political violence has surged over the past five years, a sentiment shared across different political groups.
Earlier this year, during a “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump’s policies in Salt Lake City, a participant named Afa Ah Loo was fatally shot. This incident marked the only violent death among numerous rallies nationwide that weekend.
The poll also explored opinions on whether social media platforms have contributed to the rise in political violence and if they have adequately addressed the spread of extremist content.
In Utah, a pioneer in regulating social media to protect youth, 73% of respondents agreed that these platforms have fueled violence. Additionally, 63% believe that more should be done to curb violent content, with older residents more likely to see this as a pressing issue.
Governor Spencer Cox of Utah has been outspoken about the need to regulate social media companies, referring to them as “conflict entrepreneurs” during a recent appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Despite facing criticism at a Turning Point USA event at Utah State University, Cox’s condemnation of political violence and divisiveness has received bipartisan support.
The poll by Noble Predictive Insights shows that Utahns overwhelmingly believe political leaders should actively work to reduce political hostility.
Approximately 75% of respondents consider it “very important,” and 19% “somewhat important,” for state and local leaders to denounce political violence and promote civil discourse.
“There’s a clear public call for a change,” Noble commented. “People recognize the need to lower the political temperature and are urging leaders to set a more restrained example in these heated times.”
