More than 60 percent of Americans would support a lifetime ban on gun sales for individuals with a history of violence or a police record, according to the latest United Technologies/National Journal Congressional Connection Poll relased late Tuesday.
Sixty-two percent said they are in favor of such a ban— which would have applied to Washington Navy Yard shooter Aaron Alexis —while 32 percent said they are opposed.
The poll also showed that 71 percent of Americans believe “there’s something that can be done through public policies” to reduce mass shooting. Nearly 80 percent of respondents said that universal background checks on gun purchases and an expansion of mental health services could both reduce mass shootings.
Reports following the Navy Yard massacre have indicated that Alexis had a troubled history. He once “terrified” a neighbor in 2010 when he allegedly fired a bullet into her Fort Worth, Texas apartment. Earlier this year, while still in Fort Worh, Alexis was acused of tampering with his roommate’s vehicle.
