© 2026 ABC News

Universal background checks and red flag laws are widely supported by the public. An ABC News/Washington Post poll conducted in September 2019 found 89% support for universal background checks and 86% support for red flag laws.

There was broad bipartisan support, as well; mandatory background checks and red flag laws won support from at least eight in 10 Republicans and conservatives, and as many or more of all others, the poll found.

An April 2021 Quinnipiac University poll on gun laws similarly found overwhelming support for requiring background checks for all gun buyers (89%). Support was similarly high among Republicans (84%).

There was less broad support for other gun control measures. The 2019 ABC News/Washington Post poll found that six in 10 support banning high-capacity ammunition clips and 56% support banning the sale of assault weapons. Support for an assault weapons ban varied greatly along political lines, with 81% of Democrats, 55% of independents and 33% of Republicans in favor.

\"PHOTO:
ABC News/Washington Post poll
PHOTO: Where Americans stand on gun control measures
>

Additionally, the poll found that 52% support a mandatory buyback program in which the government would require owners to turn in their assault weapons in exchange for payment.

The 2021 Quinnipiac University poll was similarly divided on other gun control measures, with 52% support for a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons and 51% support for a nationwide ban on sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 bullets.

\"PHOTO:
Nuri Vallbona/Reuters
PHOTO: Stephanie and Michael Chavez of San Antonio pay their respects at a makeshift memorial outside Robb Elementary School, the site of a mass shooting, in Uvalde, Texas, May 25, 2022.
>

In the Uvalde massacre, the gunman had a total of seven 30-round magazines with him in the classroom where the shooting took place, multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News.

One 30-round magazine was in an AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting and six magazines were carried on a tactical vest worn by the shooter, with the potential to hold 210 rounds.

It is unclear how many rounds were expended.

In the massacre's aftermath, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the Senate would be voting on gun control measures, though it's unclear on what policies exactly.

\"Let me be clear -- we are going to vote on gun legislation,\" he said on the Senate floor Wednesday. \"The American people are tired of moments of silence, tired of the kind words offering thoughts and prayers.\"

ABC News' Lalee Ibssa and Trish Turner contributed to this report.

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