Share of Americans who think carrying guns makes public places more or less safe 2023

According to a survey conducted in 2023, Americans were divided on whether allowing gun owners to carry their guns in public places makes public places safer or whether it makes no difference in how safe a public place is in the United States, with 32 percent sharing these beliefs. However, a slightly greater share agreed that allowing gun owners to carry their guns in public makes public places less safe, at 36 percent. 

Gun laws in the U.S.

Federal law dictates the minimum age for gun ownership and possession in the United States, and also blocks the sale of guns to certain groups of people, such as fugitives, mental health patients, and felons. However, state and local governments may also enact gun-related regulations on their residents, including requiring a background check, a permit, or training to purchase a firearm. Additionally, state legislation determines whether residents are allowed to openly carry guns in public or carry concealed guns in public, with some states requiring a permit to carry a handgun, rifle, or shotgun in public. 

The impact of gun laws on gun violence

Studies have shown that states with strong gun safety laws in place tend to have less gun violence. However, some states with such policies still experience high rates of gun violence as a result of gun trafficking, where traffickers cross state lines to provide people with guns illegally. In addition, almost half of American households report owning at least one firearm, which may be contributing to the many acts of gun-related violence occurring nationwide. Currently, the United States averages almost 50,000 deaths from firearms annually.