A new poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos reveals that Americans are increasingly concerned about domestic terrorism compared to threats originating from abroad. According to the data, 33 percent of respondents identified domestic terrorism as the most significant threat to the average American's safety. In contrast, only 20 percent of those surveyed pointed to foreign terrorism as the primary danger.

The survey also explored broader perceptions of violence, noting that 42 percent of participants categorized random violent acts—such as mass shootings or unprovoked assaults—as the most pressing concern for their personal safety. This suggests that while the distinction between domestic and foreign terrorism is a significant point of public discourse, general concerns regarding unpredictable violence remain a dominant factor in how the public assesses safety risks.

While the poll provides a snapshot of public opinion, it does not offer a breakdown of how different demographic groups define 'domestic terrorism,' a term that can encompass a wide range of ideological and criminal activities. The findings reflect a notable shift in public sentiment, as historical polling in the years following the September 11 attacks often showed foreign terrorism as the primary concern for the American public. The current data suggests that the focus of national security anxiety has moved toward internal threats, though the high percentage of respondents citing 'random violent acts' indicates that many Americans may not strictly categorize their safety concerns through the lens of traditional terrorism definitions.