| 5.24.23

Poll Finds More Americans Value Gun Control Over Gun Ownership

How do you feel about the results of the poll?

An NPR poll conducted on the anniversary of the Uvalde, Texas, shooting — the second-deadliest in U.S. history — has found that more Americans favor gun control legislation over gun rights legislation.
The poll of 1,300 Americans shows the greatest support of pro-gun-control responses in a decade, and reflects growing support for stricter gun control in the face of rising violence.
Overall, 41% say they or someone they know has experienced gun violence. That being said, the responses were mixed, and reflect a larger lack of cultural consensus on gun control.

Six in ten respondents say controlling and targeting gun violence is more important than protecting gun rights

Four in ten gun-owning respondents also agreed with this statement.
When hearing about a new mass shooting, 62% of respondents say their first reaction is that the country needs stricter gun laws.
In 2013, there was more of an even split on this issue, with some Democrats and Independents on the fence.
In the poll, 38% of Americans said protecting gun rights and freedoms was more critical. Two-thirds of Republican respondents said protecting gun rights was more important.

57% say schools in their community are safe

This is down eight points from 2019.
Democrats reported being more conflicted on this question, with the majority of Republican and Independent respondents rating their schools as safe.
But respondents who agree that people need to carry guns have risen since 2019, from 25% to 35%.

44% of Democrat respondents want to ban assault-style weapons

Whether or not to ban semi-automatic assault rifles like the AR-15 was the most contentious topic in the survey.
Only 13% of Republican respondents want to see assault-weapon bans.

20% of Republicans think mental health screenings will reduce gun violence

More Republicans chose this answer to the question, "Which one of the following do you think would have the most impact on reducing gun violence in the U.S.?"
The other options were assault-weapon bans, background checks, and red flag laws.

18% of Republicans think teachers should carry guns

Nearly one-fifth of Republican respondents believe this would reduce gun violence.
This was another contentious issue: 3% of Democrats and 11% of Independents agreed with Republicans.

One in five respondents don't think any policy changes will reduce gun violence

26% of Republican and 22% of Independent respondents don't think any of the above strategies will reduce gun violence. Of the Democratic respondents, 8% agreed.

58% of respondents agree with stand-your-ground laws

Stand-your-ground laws have been in the news recently due to tragedies in New York and Missouri.
Of the respondents, 81% of Republicans, 57% of independents, and 40% of Democrats approve.

Are you surprised by the results of the poll?

—Emma Kansiz

The Latest