Rise in US gun sales during the pandemic linked to extremist beliefs

US people who bought guns during the pandemic were more likely to support extreme political beliefs and engage in violent behavior than those who bought guns before March 2020

To Grace Wade

People who bought guns in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to have extreme political beliefs and thoughts of suicide or violence than those who bought guns before the pandemic. The results suggest that pandemic-era gun buyers may be at higher risk of committing violence against themselves or others.

U.S. gun sales have increased dramatically during the covid-19 pandemic. From 2019 to 2020, firearm purchases increased by 64% for him,…