In the wake of Las Vegas... Do you want more gun control?
Bottom Line: The first nationwide accredited research in the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting is out and it does appear as though there's a bit more of an appetite for additional gun control. According to Gallup here's the before and after picture on the issue of additional gun control...
Feel that the laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict
- Before: 55%
- After: 60%
Would support a law making it illegal to manufacture, sell or possess semi-automatic guns known as assault rifles
- Before: 36%
- After: 48%
Think there should be a law banning the possession of handguns, except by the police and other authorized persons
- Before: 23%
- After: 28%
My blood pressure rose a bit as I plowed through the results. For example, 28% of Americans essentially saying that we should abolish the second amendment is disconcerting. I wonder how many Americans feel that we should abolish free speech? I wonder how many realize the real reason the right to bear arms was the second highest priority was to ensure you could protect your right to free speech and expression? Nevertheless, a little additional perspective is helpful with this story.
In 1990, 78% of Americans felt as though we should have stricter gun laws and 66% still did in 2000. So, despite the recent uptick in Americans feeling as though stricter laws are appropriate, we've actually experienced a longer-term trend of fewer people sharing that perspective. Additionally, these questions are somewhat vague (aside from the third) so it's hard to read too much into them. Nevertheless, the bump stock debate is one that even many strong supporters of the 2nd amendment have been willing to entertain so the potential that there could be some movement remains. That being said the issue, much like the details/motive in the Las Vegas shooting itself seem to have drifted far from the headlines rather quickly.