Recent research suggests that concerns about gun violence have surpassed opioids and the obesity epidemic as the primary public health worry among everyday Americans. According to a poll conducted by Axios-Ipsos, there has been a significant increase in the number of people who view gun violence as the top threat to the nation. The survey indicates a 9% surge in the percentage of individuals who consider gun violence the most pressing issue between February and the present month. In contrast, concerns regarding other dangers like fentanyl, overeating, cancer, dangerous driving, and COVID-19 have declined.
The survey results align with recent events, such as the tragic shooting incident in Northwestern New Mexico, where an 18-year-old high school student randomly shot and killed three people. It also reflects the relentless occurrence of mass shootings in the United States. The Gun Violence Archive, a monitoring group, reports that there have been over 200 mass shootings in the country this year alone. These incidents, which involve the injury or death of four or more individuals in public places or homes, have fueled rising fears of gun violence.
Cliff Young, an expert from the polling group Ipsos, notes that the increasing fear of guns should come as no surprise given the prevalence of tragic mass shootings. Despite the shifting public attitudes towards gun violence, it remains uncertain whether Republican politicians in Washington DC will support Democratic efforts to enforce stricter gun control measures. Many gun owners believe that the Second Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees their right to bear arms and are skeptical of lawmakers advocating for restrictions.
The survey results reveal that 26% of respondents consider “access to guns or firearms” the most significant threat to public health, marking a notable increase from the 17% recorded in February. In comparison, 25% of respondents view opioids and fentanyl as the top danger. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 110,000 drug overdose deaths last year, similar to the numbers observed in 2021. This suggests that the opioid and fentanyl crisis may have reached its peak and is starting to decline.
While concerns about obesity and poor diets remain high, they have slightly diminished this year. Calls for stricter gun control measures have been met with strong opposition from many Americans who argue against limiting a right protected by the US Constitution. COVID-19 currently occupies the lowest position among public health threats at 3%, alongside alcoholism, smoking, and risky driving.
Although there was bipartisan agreement on a gun control law last summer, and President Joe Biden issued executive orders to strengthen background checks on gun buyers, further measures are unlikely. However, the Minnesota Legislature recently passed a public safety bill containing two significant gun control provisions, which the state’s Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, intends to sign into law. In contrast, in Nevada, Republican Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed three gun control bills proposed by Democrats that aimed to restrict access to certain firearms.
Recent research conducted by the health nonprofit KFF sheds light on the prevalence of gun violence in America. Approximately one-fifth of adults reported being threatened with a firearm, with a similar proportion experiencing the loss or injury of a family member due to gun violence, including instances of self-harm. The KFF survey, which involved 1,271 adults, found that a majority of respondents (54%) personally witnessed or had a family member who witnessed a shooting or experienced a gun-related threat, injury, or fatality.
Most Americans (84%) have taken precautions to protect themselves and their families from gun violence. These precautions include discussing gun violence with relatives, avoiding crowded places, and considering alternative self-defense weapons such as knives or pepper spray. The KFF survey highlights the alarming frequency of gun violence incidents in the country and the measures individuals are taking to mitigate the risk.
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