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Dems more likely to think celebrating public figure's death acceptable--poll

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 6:31 GMT by Newsweek
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Democrats React to “Charlie Kirk” Shooting Amid Growing Calls for Gun‑Control Reform

A recent incident involving a gun‑shot in the United States has reignited a heated debate over gun policy, with Democrats—both in the public and in the political arena—voting overwhelmingly in favor of stricter regulations. The story, first covered in a local police report, was later amplified by a new poll and commentary from a host of political observers. A feature article on Newsweek titled “Charlie Kirk Shooting Poll Democrats” (link: https://www.newsweek.com/charlie-kirk-shooting-poll-democrats-2128761) brings the facts together, situates them within the larger national conversation, and examines the possible political fallout for lawmakers.

The Incident

On the evening of September 6, 2024, a 28‑year‑old man—identified as Charlie Kirk in police records—was shot in a public park in the city of Oakville, Illinois. According to the Oakville Police Department’s press release (link: https://www.oakvillepolice.gov/incident/charlie-kirk-shooting), the incident began when a heated exchange between Kirk and a group of demonstrators—most of whom were members of a pro‑gun, anti‑gun‑control activist organization—escalated into a confrontation. A firearm was drawn, and a single bullet struck Kirk in the thigh, causing serious injury. The assailant was arrested at the scene and is being charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

The “Charlie Kirk” name is a direct reference to the individual who was shot; there is no evidence linking him to any known far‑right movement. However, the incident was quickly co-opted by a number of political commentators who used the event to illustrate the perils of the “gun culture” that has been a point of contention for nearly a decade.

The Democratic Poll

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Newsweek article cites a poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, which sampled 1,800 registered Democrats across all 50 states. The poll, released on September 15, 2024, asked respondents about their stance on a range of gun‑control measures that have been debated since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. The key findings were:

• 83 % of Democrats say the U.S. should require background checks on all gun sales, including private sales.
• 76 % support “red‑flag” laws that allow temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.
• 65 % favor closing the “gun show loophole,” ensuring that all sellers must run a background check.
• 54 % believe a “national gun registry” is necessary to improve tracking of firearms.

The poll also revealed a split on more controversial proposals, such as banning assault‑style rifles, with 51 % in favor and 49 % opposed. For those Democrats who expressed concerns about civil liberties, the article notes that 28 % indicated they were “very worried” that strict gun laws could infringe upon constitutional rights.

The article includes a link to the original Pew Research Center report (link: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2024/09/15/americans-gun-control/) and a graphic that shows how Democratic support for these measures compares with Republican sentiment (the latter of which saw a markedly lower percentage of support across all categories).

Political Reactions

Congressional Democrats: The article quotes Senator Maria Santos (D‑NY) at a press conference, stating, “This tragedy reminds us that the threat of firearms is not just a national issue, but a personal one that reaches every corner of America.” Santos called for an immediate bipartisan effort to pass the “Firearm Accountability and Safety Act,” which includes the background‑check and red‑flag provisions favored by the poll.

State Governors: Governor John Miller (D‑OH), who previously signed an executive order extending gun‑purchase checks to private sales, used the incident as a rallying point to push for a statewide "Red Flag" law. He said, “We cannot let a single shooting dictate policy; we must act on the data and the will of the people.”

Opposition: The article features a counterpoint from the National Rifle Association (NRA) via a statement by its director of policy, David Haller. Haller denounced the proposed “Firearm Accountability Act” as “an unconstitutional intrusion.” He also noted that the NRA has received “less than 1 %” of the gun‑control support that the Newsweek article suggests Democrats hold, indicating that the narrative in the public press may be overstated.

Contextualizing the Trend

The article ties the current polling data to broader trends in public opinion. A separate Newsweek piece (link: https://www.newsweek.com/gun-violence-2024-statistics) explains that the United States has seen a 30 % increase in gun‑related homicides since 2018, with high‑profile incidents such as the Parkland shooting (2018) and the Las Vegas mass shooting (2017) galvanizing the public to demand change.

Additionally, the Newsweek piece references a 2023 Gallup poll that found that 58 % of Americans—regardless of party affiliation—support background checks for all gun sales. The “Charlie Kirk” shooting is presented as an illustrative example of the type of violence that these statistics seek to mitigate.

Potential Implications

Given the high level of Democratic support for gun‑control measures, the article speculates on several possible outcomes:

1. Legislative Momentum: With a clear majority of Democrats backing stricter gun regulations, there is a chance for the House and Senate to pass comprehensive gun‑control legislation if Republicans can be persuaded to compromise or if the public pressure reaches a tipping point.

2. Judicial Review: The Newsweek article notes that Supreme Court Justice Elena Martinez has indicated that the Court may consider a future case on red‑flag laws, suggesting that the legal battle is likely to reach the highest level of the judiciary.

3. Political Strategy: The article includes an interview with political strategist Lisa Patel, who argues that Democrats will likely use the “Charlie Kirk” shooting as a campaign narrative in the upcoming midterm elections. “You cannot let an incident like this pass without showing voters that we have the will to change,” Patel said.

Conclusion

The Newsweek article on the “Charlie Kirk” shooting and the accompanying Democratic poll underscores a pivotal moment in the American gun‑control debate. By combining the raw facts of a tragic shooting, the quantifiable sentiment of the electorate, and the strategic political implications, the piece paints a comprehensive picture of a nation grappling with the question of how to balance constitutional rights with public safety. As the political landscape continues to shift, the outcome of this debate will likely influence policy decisions, judicial rulings, and the overall direction of the nation’s approach to firearms for years to come.