Summary
Research examining public attitudes toward vigilante law enforcement found that messaging highlighting neo-Nazi support for the Rittenhouse verdict substantially reduced endorsement of private citizens enforcing the law.
Background
The Kyle Rittenhouse verdict brought attention to vigilante justice. While some Republican politicians praised Rittenhouse, right-wing extremists interpreted the verdict as endorsement for militia activity and political violence.
Grow Progress conducted research to understand public attitudes toward private citizens enforcing law and tested messages designed to reduce vigilantism support.
Top Findings
Conservatives support citizen law enforcement at higher rates than the general public, yet most tested messages effectively reduced such support. A message linking citizen enforcement to neo-Nazi activity proved especially effective across political lines.
Audience Understanding Survey
On November 30, 784 respondents answered a question about the Rittenhouse verdict and their views on private citizens enforcing law. Three response options ranged from opposing vigilantism as dangerous, to supporting self-defense but not law enforcement, to endorsing citizen responsibility for maintaining order.
Over 25% believed citizens have responsibility to enforce law. This group leaned slightly Republican but included 31% Democrats. They cited law enforcement inaction and personal safety concerns. Those opposing citizen law enforcement were predominantly 55+, Democratic respondents. Open-carry supporters distinguished between self-defense and law enforcement roles, with one stating:
"obviously if someone isn't threatening you personally or your property, you shouldn't be threatening them back."
Rapid Message Test
Five messages were drafted to move people away from vigilantism beliefs:
- Faith: Referenced biblical prohibitions against judgment and violence
- FBI: Featured a retired FBI special agent discussing law enforcement training requirements
- Anarchy: Warned that individual law interpretation invites chaos and violence
- Open Carry: Used first-person perspective from someone who carries guns but rejects law enforcement roles
- Neo-Nazis: Quoted a neo-Nazi leader praising the verdict as license for violence
Respondents randomly received one message or placebo, then answered the original survey question.
Results
Approximately one-third of placebo recipients supported citizen law enforcement. The neo-Nazi message reduced support to roughly half that rate.
Effects were largest among conservatives, though the neo-Nazi message proved effective across ideologies. The open-carry message worked well with liberals and moderates but underperformed with conservatives.
The research concluded that highlighting extremist enthusiasm for citizen law enforcement can counter vigilantism support, recommending further deployment of such messaging.
Experiment Details
- Audience: All adults, balanced on age, race, gender
- Geography: United States
- Sample (raw/weighted): 1,181 / 1,130
- Field Dates: December 1–2, 2021
- Weighting Factors: Age, race, gender, education, party