On North Dakota and Minnesota’s WZFG-AM radio: Discussing voters are “badly misinformed” on gun-related crime
Dr. John Lott talked to Tom Tucker on North Dakota and Minnesota’s WZFG-AM radio about Lott’s recent pieces at Real Clear Politics (“When Misinformation Drives Gun Bad Policy“) and Townhall (“Media Falsely Claim Mass Public Shooters are ‘Right-wingers’ When They’re Environmental Extremists“).
The publisher of a new survey on guns and violent crime says the results show people are “badly misinformed”.
“You know you listen to any of the news discussions these days, and you listen to the Biden Administration and the overwhelming that is given out is that violent crimes involve guns,” said Dr. John Lott, President of the Crime Prevention Research Center, the group which commissioned the study.
The survey found the average American voter believes guns are used in more than 46% of violent crimes, but the actual number is 7.9%. Violent crimes include rapes, robberies, aggravated assaults and murders. The study also found those who perceive guns are used more frequently are more apt to support gun control measures as part of an effort aimed at reducing violent crime.
The survey was based on the latest data from the Department of Justice. The survey also showed differences in perception based on political affiliation. The average Democrat estimates guns are used in 57% of violent crimes while for Republicans it’s 37%.
