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Gun Ownership Motivations Shift Post-2024 Election: Study Reveals

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A study in Injury Epidemiology finds political objectives as a motive for gun ownership declined after the 2024 election.
Citing political objectives fell from 35% in 2023 to 22% in 2025.
Protection at political events rose from 35% to 42%, with Republicans increasing from 40% to 51%.
Hunting remained a top motivator with 81% citing it as important in 2025, while researchers called for safety policies during political expression.

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Story summary

A study in Injury Epidemiology finds political objectives as a motive for gun ownership declined after the 2024 election.
Citing political objectives fell from 35% in 2023 to 22% in 2025.
Protection at political events rose from 35% to 42%, with Republicans increasing from 40% to 51%.
Hunting remained a top motivator with 81% citing it as important in 2025, while researchers called for safety policies during political expression.