While Most American Voters Believe Violent Crime is Worsening, Gun Sales Continue to Post Strong Numbers

By: José Niño

A recent Rasmussen poll showcased that 60% of “likely U.S. voters” believe violent crime is rising. Over the last few years, there has been a notable rise in crime across America owing due to the unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in the summer of 2020 and a concerted effort by local officials to undermine law enforcement.

These developments have compelled millions of lawful individuals to take matters into their own hands and arm themselves in the face of rising crime and dismal law enforcement responses to crime. To this day, gun sales are still maintaining their upward trajectory. According to National Instant Background Check System data that the National Shooting Sports Foundation has adjusted, guns are continuing to fly off the shelves to the tune of one million a month.

Per data from the NICS system, there were 3,036,667 background checks conducted in March. Dave Workman of AmmoLand noted that NSSF carries out monthly adjustments that more accurately reflect the number of NICS background checks conducted that involve gun transactions. Per NSSF’s numbers, March had 1.56 million NICS checks that involved firearms transactions, which represents a 6.8% decline compared to March 2022’s adjusted figure of 1.67 million.

Nevertheless, March was the 44^th straight month when the adjusted NICS number surpassed 1 million, per NSSF’s observations. Such numbers indicate that there’s a strong desire among Americans to stay armed in the face of rising crime and a breakdown in public order.

Per the Rasmussen poll, 77% of Republican voters, 63% of independent voters, and 40% of Democratic voters believe violent crime in America is worsening.

On the other hand, the Rasmussen poll showed that 30% of Democratic voters, 12% of Republican voters, and 10% of independent voters believe America’s crime issues are getting better.

Unquestionably, Americans are losing faith in traditional institutions. Law enforcement plays a legitimate function in any civilized society. However, there are limits to what these entities can do to stop crime. As they say, “when seconds count, the police are minutes away.”

Moreover, law enforcement bodies have been subverted by derelict politicians who have instructed them to step down against rioters throughout the George Floyd riots. In addition, many local political bodies have worked to defund police departments or greatly restrict their ability to fight crime.

In light of these developments, millions of Americans have opted to arm themselves as a means to defend their persons, property, and loved ones during a time when the social order is slowly unraveling. At the end of the day, the best first responder against criminals is an armed lawful individual.

José Niño is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Contact him via Facebook, Twitter, or email him at [email protected]. Get his e-book, The 10 Myths of Gun Control, here.