Survey poll suggests Texas voters overwhelmingly support stricter gun regulations

Poll results released by Quinnipiac University suggest Texas Voters are in favor of stricter gun regulations. The study surveyed a 1,029 registered voters from across Texas.

Voters were asked if they support or oppose a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons 53% voted in support and 42% were opposed.

Following the deadly mass shooting in Parkland, Florida legislators were quick to look towards stricter gun regulations but faced strong resistance from gun owners and the NRA. Ed Scruggs, Texas Gun Sense Media Spokesperson attributes the shift to recent protests and demonstrations across the U.S.

"I was pleasantly surprised it indicates to me that there is a shift among Texans and how they think about firearms," Scruggs said.

However, Michael Cargill, Owner of Central Texas Gun Works said with as many conservative gun rights activists in Texas the poll couldn’t be accurate.

"We are not going to ban rifles or AR 15's or AK 47's in the state of Texas and I don't think we are going to ban them in the country at all," Cargill said.

The term ‘assault rifle’ is still debated among gun owner alike. Assault weapons are described as semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines. Cargill argues Armalite Rifles are mostly cosmetic.

"It doesn't matter what tool a person uses to actually commit a heinous crime they are going to find something else," said Cargill.

Along with assault weapons the survey asked voters if they were in support of requiring gun owners to undergo background checks. 93% were in favor.

Scruggs said he hopes the support for gun reform will translate to legislation.

"Hey the stats prove Texans want something done about gun violence we can agree on that So let's sit down and talk about what we can do," said Scruggs said.