Most likely voters fear America is becoming a police state, poll shows.
More than 70% of American Voters Concerned About the Rise of a Police State
A recent national poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports reveals that over 70% of American voters are worried about the United States transforming into a police state characterized by government tyranny. This includes concerns about mass surveillance, censorship, ideological indoctrination, and the targeting of political opponents.
“More Republicans (62 percent) than Democrats (34 percent) or unaffiliated voters (43 percent) are very concerned that America is becoming a police state,” Rasmussen Reports wrote in a news release.
“Similarly, more Republicans (45 percent) than Democrats (17 percent) or unaffiliated voters (22 percent) strongly agree that the FBI is a danger to the freedom and security of law-abiding Americans.”
The survey, conducted by Rasmussen and Pulse Opinion Research, involved nearly 1,000 likely voters between September 14 and September 18. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3 percent with a 95 percent confidence level.
According to Rasmussen Reports, the concerns expressed by voters are not limited to a single incident, such as the FBI raid on former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022. Instead, they reflect a broader issue.
Stephen Friend, a former FBI special agent and whistleblower, stated, “Over the past few years, Americans have witnessed the FBI target pro-life activists and parents speaking at school board meetings while simultaneously ignoring violent riots throughout 2020, encouraging online censorship, and obstructing Congress’ oversight efforts.”
In the Rasmussen poll, 50% of voters agreed with the statement that “The FBI is a danger to the freedom and security of law-abiding Americans,” with 28% strongly agreeing. On the other hand, 45% disagreed, including 26% who strongly disagreed.
Mr. Friend emphasized the importance of the FBI’s reputation, stating, “The fact that an agency that enjoyed near-universal approval relatively recently has lost the support of half the country is a testament to both the resilience of its public perception and how far it has fallen.”
Mr. Friend, who was suspended without pay from the FBI on September 19, 2022, after expressing constitutional concerns about a planned FBI SWAT team raid, suggested significant changes to rein in the bureau.
“Short of abolishing the FBI, one potential solution is for Congress to defund the 1811 criminal investigator position—the special agent,” Mr. Friend said.
“This forces the FBI to partner with local law enforcement agencies, gain their approval to conduct appropriate investigations, and cross-deputize more state and local peace officers to bestow them with federal arrest powers.
“This creates a bulwark in which a county sheriff can direct FBI resources to combat legitimate criminal activity in his area rather than serve as a bystander while FBI headquarters continually utilizes its quota system for the number and types of cases special agents must affect,” Mr. Friend said.
“This is not ‘defunding the police.’ Instead, it is empowering local law enforcement.”
Issues raised by Jan. 6 defendants, such as the use of excessive force by heavily armed FBI agents, refusal to produce warrants, physical abuse during arrests, and the pointing of laser-guided rifles at suspects and their children, have sparked further debate.
Some defendants in Texas have also questioned the violation of state sovereignty when FBI tactical teams conducted raids without involving local authorities.
Mr. Friend believes these cases warrant a thorough examination and debate, stating, “Federal law enforcement regularly intrudes upon local criminal investigations to claim credit and positive publicity. The FBI’s social media accounts are riddled with glowing press statements concerning the bureau’s involvement in local criminal matters, which are a waste of American’s tax dollars and arguably violative of state sovereignty.”
What are some potential consequences of the FBI focusing on its original mission of investigating federal crimes?
Mr. Friend said. “This would force the bureau to focus on its original mission of investigating federal crimes and eliminate the potential for politicization and abuse of power.”
It is clear that the concerns about the rise of a police state in the United States are not unfounded. The survey conducted by Rasmussen Reports highlights the significant worry among American voters, with a majority expressing their fears about government tyranny, mass surveillance, censorship, ideological indoctrination, and the targeting of political opponents.
The divide between Republicans and Democrats on this issue is also evident, with a higher percentage of Republicans expressing concern about the direction of the country. However, it is important to note that these concerns are not limited to a single incident but rather reflect a broader issue that has eroded public trust in government institutions such as the FBI.
Former FBI special agent and whistleblower Stephen Friend’s call for significant changes within the FBI underscores the need for reform. Whether it is through defunding the special agent position or other measures, addressing the concerns raised by American voters is essential to restore faith in the bureau and prevent the further erosion of civil liberties.
As the debate around the role of law enforcement and the potential for abuses of power continues, it is crucial for policymakers and citizens alike to engage in a meaningful dialogue and work towards solutions that uphold the principles of freedom, security, and justice for all. Only through a concerted effort to address these concerns can we ensure that the United States remains a true democracy, free from the threats of a police state.
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