A new Pew Research Center poll shows that there is more now more support for gun rights than gun control. Support for gun rights has jumped seven points since the aftermath of Sandy Hook Elementary two years ago, from 45 percent in January 2013 to 52 percent today.
Support for gun control has fallen five points, from 51 percent to 46 percent, the poll finds.
According to Pew, this is the first time in more than 20 years that there is more support for gun rights than gun control.
Fifty-two percent of survey respondents say it’s more important to protect gun rights, while 46 percent say that it’s more important to control gun ownership.
Fifty-seven percent say that gun ownership protects people from becoming victims of crime — a nine point jump from December 2012.
The poll also shows an increase of support for gun rights among African Americans, as 54 percent say that gun ownership protects people as opposed to the 29 percent who said the same in December 2012.
The poll shows a 10 point jump in support of gun rights among men since January 2013, while women show a five point jump. Young people 18-29 show an eight point jump in support of gun rights.