The shooting tragedies in Colorado and Connecticut last year have significantly altered Americans’ views on gun control, based on three new public opinion surveys.

A new Gallup poll found support for tougher gun laws jumped to 38%, the highest level since 2001. A year earlier, support was at 25%. A bare majority of poll respondents—43%—are satisfied with the current laws.

A national survey by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press revealed 85% support background checks for private gun sales and on sales at gun shows. Also, 80% support preventing the mentally ill from purchasing guns.

And a Washington Post-ABC News poll showed that 52% are more supportive of gun control as a result of the Newtown school massacre, with 58% favoring a ban on assault weapons. Additionally, 55% support the stationing of armed guards or police at all of the nation’s schools, and 71% favor a data base to track all gun sales.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Support Soars for Tougher Gun Laws, Surveys Show (by Matthew DeLuca and Vignesh Ramachandran, NBC News)

Americans' Dissatisfaction With Gun Laws Spikes to 38% (by Lydia Saad, Gallup)

Poll: Most Americans Support New Gun-Control Measures after Newtown Massacre (by David Nakamura and Jon Cohen, Washington Post)

Post-ABC poll: Broad Support for Gun Restrictions, Armed Guards in Schools - January 10-13 (Washington Post)

In Gun Control Debate, Several Options Draw Majority Support (Pew Research Center for the People & the Press)

Californians React to Mass Murder and Tough Gun Laws with Record Weapons Shopping Spree (by Ken Broder, AllGov)

NRA Pouring Millions into Failed Attempts to Attack Anti-Gun Laws (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)