Despite what the gun lobby would have us believe, the vast majority of gun owners agree that gun violence is either an ‘emergency’ or a ‘major problem.’ New research from the group 97 Percent shows that this sentiment spans political lines, with majorities of both Democrats and Republicans echoing these concerns. Particularly noteworthy is the overwhelming concern among younger generations: over 8 in 10 Gen Z gun owners (83%) see gun violence as an urgent issue.
The report found that:
- 75% of gun owners say gun violence is an “emergency” or “major problem.”
- Concern crosses party lines—and is especially high among Gen Z gun owners (83%).
- 78% say gun violence is weakening the social fabric of American life by making people feel unsafe in public places.
Further, there is near-universal support among gun owners for:
- Background checks within set timeframes
- Regular inspections of licensed gun dealers
- Restrictions on firearm access for people with felony convictions
“This research reinforces what we’ve always known,” the report says. “Gun owners are not monolithic. They are ready for honest, practical solutions to reduce gun violence. There is real consensus across age, race, income, and political identity on the need for action and accountability—and that remains true even in this era of political hyperpolarization on almost every issue.