Forty-two percent (42%) mistakenly believe that mass shootings are the leading cause of gun deaths in the United States. In reality, fewer than one-half of one percent of all gun deaths are attributed to mass shootings.
Suicides are the largest cause of gun deaths, a reality recognized by just 16% of voters.
This misunderstanding, fueled by media coverage, has led to a stunning level of terror and fear. Nine percent (9%) of voters believe it is Very Likely that they or a close family member will be killed in a random mass shooting. Another 17% think it is Somewhat Likely.
Still, most voters (51%) would rather live in a community where people are allowed to own guns than in one where guns are outlawed. That view is shared by 73% of Republicans while 59% of Democrats would prefer to live where guns are outlawed.
This Napolitan News Service survey of 1,000 Registered Voters was conducted online by Scott Rasmussen on September 16, 2024. Field work for the survey was conducted by RMG Research, Inc. and has a margin of error of +/1 3.1.
