A new Associated Press-GfK poll shows Americans increasingly favor making gun laws tougher by margins that have grown wider after a steady drumbeat of shootings in recent months. But it also shows pessimism that change will happen anytime soon.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed support for stricter laws, with majorities favoring nationwide bans on the sale of semi-automatic assault weapons and on the sale of high-capacity magazines.
The percentage of Americans who want such laws was the highest since the AP-GfK poll started asking the question in 2013, a survey taken about 10 months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed 20 children and six educators.
But less than half said they believe they will see tougher gun laws in the coming year.
The AP-GfK poll was conducted July 7 to July 11, shortly after a string of high-profile shootings.
