Recent findings from an NBC News poll indicate a noteworthy surge in firearm ownership among registered Democrats, suggesting a shift in attitudes over the past few years. In November 2023, the survey revealed that 41 percent of Democrats reported having a firearm in their households, a notable increase from 33 percent in a comparable survey conducted by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal in August 2019. This spike becomes even more apparent when considering that only 33 percent of Democrats acknowledged living with a gun in March 2004, indicating a concentrated rise over the last four years. The survey, involving 1,000 registered voters, took place between November 10 and 14.
Republicans also exhibited an uptick in household firearm ownership, albeit less steep and more in line with previous trends. In November 2023, 66 percent of registered Republicans indicated living with a firearm, compared to 64 percent in August 2019 and 57 percent in March 2004. Overall, 52 percent of registered voters acknowledged the presence of a gun in their households, up from 46 percent in 2019.
Professor Kleck, a criminology and criminal justice expert at Florida State University, noted that the overall national figure aligns with historical trends. He suggested that the increased firearm ownership among Democrats could be linked to a surge in crime in major cities, where Democrats hold a significant demographic share. Kleck emphasized that historically, the percentage of American adults reporting a gun in their household has been consistent.
National Rifle Association spokesperson Billy McLaughlin echoed this sentiment, attributing the rise in Democratic gun ownership to concerns about rising crime rates, undermined law enforcement, and perceived failures in criminal prosecution. McLaughlin argued that the responsibility for self-defense is being increasingly shouldered by law-abiding Americans.
The surge in firearm ownership, particularly among Democrats, may also be a response to the spike in violent crimes during and after the coronavirus pandemic. In 2020, the U.S. recorded 21,570 homicides, the highest since 1995. Democratic-run states and cities, such as New York and Oakland, experienced significant increases in crime, contributing to the overall national trend.
Professor Deana Rohlinger, a sociology instructor at Florida State University, suggested that rising gun ownership among Democrats reflects a sense of anxiety, potentially linked to the intense political divide in the country. She pointed out that the decision to purchase a gun is complex and may be influenced by heightened political tensions, perceived personal safety concerns, and the desire for self-defense among various demographic groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and religious and racial minorities.