A new analysis indicates that Americans with advanced degrees express greater acceptance of political violence, as details emerge about a suspect accused of targeting members of President Donald Trump’s administration.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
A recent study examining attitudes toward political violence in the United States found that individuals with higher levels of education—particularly those holding graduate degrees—are more likely to view violence as a legitimate means of achieving social or political change, according to findings published by the Skeptic Research Center.
The report comes amid an ongoing investigation into a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where a man identified as Cole Allen allegedly opened fire with the stated intent of targeting President Donald Trump and members of his administration. Authorities have not publicly confirmed all details surrounding the suspect’s background, but CBS News reported that Allen is believed to have earned a master’s degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2025.
Survey data cited in the research shows that 40% of respondents holding a master’s degree agreed with the statement that violence can be justified to bring about social change. That percentage was significantly higher than among those with lower levels of formal education. Among respondents with a bachelor’s degree, 26% expressed agreement, while 20% of those with some college or an associate degree shared that view. Among individuals with a high school diploma or less, 23% indicated support for the justification of political violence.
According to reported details, Allen sent a message to family members shortly before the incident in which he wrote, “I am no longer willing to permit a pedophile, rapist, and traitor to coat my hands with his crimes.”
In a public statement released after the shooting, California State University, Dominguez Hills acknowledged that a student by the name of Cole Allen graduated with a master’s degree in 2025 but stated it could not verify whether that individual is the same person identified in the investigation. The university added, “CSUDH unequivocally condemns this act of violence, as well as all forms of violence. Such acts betray our values as a university and our commitment to fostering a safe environment for our campus communities. Out of respect for the active and ongoing law enforcement investigation, the California State University and CSUDH will not offer further comment at this time.”
A LinkedIn profile believed to belong to Allen indicates he attended the university from 2022 through 2025.
Additional attention has been directed at past remarks made by university leadership. Thomas Parham, who served as president of the institution from 2018 through the end of 2025, was recorded in a video stating that he aimed to “disrupt” and “dislodge” individuals from what he described as “fragility” in order “to instigate change.” In a separate clip, Parham referred to the Trump administration as an example of “residual white supremacy.”
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and officials have not released further details regarding charges or potential motives beyond those cited in initial reports.
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