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Trump and Congress could do more to stop mass shootings: Poll

Most Americans say Congress and US President Donald Trump are not doing enough to prevent mass shootings in the country, a new poll reveals. (File photo)

Most Americans say Congress and President Donald Trump are not doing enough to prevent mass shootings in the country, a new poll reveals.

According to a Washington Post–ABC News poll published on Tuesday, 62 percent of respondents said that Trump is not taking adequate action to place stern measures on the rash of mass shootings that has roiled the country, while 77 percent place blame on Congress.

However, most Americans place fault on the failure to identify and treat mental illness as the primary driver for such shootings. Fifty-seven percent said so, compared to just 28 percent who blamed inadequate gun control laws. 

The poll results came days after a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, in the US state of Florida, which left 17 people dead and 14 others injured. 

The shooting reignited the national debate over gun control and mental health screening and treatment.

The poll also revealed that 77 percent of respondents believed that the attack could have been prevented by more effective mental health screening and treatment.

It also found that Americans are still divided on whether to implement a new ban on assault weapons. About 50 percent said that they would support a ban, while 46 percent would oppose one.

Before he was a candidate, Trump at one point favored some tighter gun regulations. But he embraced gun rights as a candidate, and the National Rifle Association spent $30 million in support of his campaign.

There has been over 6,500 shooting incidents across the US so far, leading to the death of over 1,820 people and injuring more than 3,100 other.

The poll was conducted from February 15 to 18 among 808 adults with a margin of error of 4 percentage points.


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