In Missouri, where the mayor of Kirkwood was shot and 6 others killed by a gunman this month, 43% say there should be tougher gun laws. Of 14 states polled by SurveyUSA, this is the smallest percentage who think tougher gun laws are needed. By comparison, 70% in New York, 66% in Massachusetts, 62% in California and 60% in Virginia want tougher gun laws. In all 4 states, twice as many want tougher laws as want the gun laws left as they are. Only Missouri, of 14 states, had a slightly higher percentage in favor of keeping gun laws as they are than in favor of making them tougher.

States that voted for Republican George W. Bush in 2004 are shown in red. States that voted for Democrat John Kerry in 2004 are shown in blue.

Table is sorted on “Tougher” column in descending order. Complete results of this research will be posted to SurveyUSA’s breaking news page as soon as it is available for release.