The Hill News

Americans do not think any government action can stop future incidents like the recent shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) a CNN/Opinion research found.

The poll, released Monday, found that 66 percent of Americans think shootings like the Arizona shooting, which wounded thirteen and killed six, cannot be avoided by any kind of government policy. Thirty-three of those polled say that government can do something to reduce the possibility of a future shooting.

The poll also found Americans have not changed their opinions of gun control laws. A strong 69 percent majority of Americans remain unchanged on whether there should be stricter laws in light of the shooting.

Even though a majority of Americans don't think the government could or should do anything to prevent a future crisis like the shooting through gun regulation, the poll found that 41 percent of Americans blame inadequate mental-health services for playing a large part! in causing the shooting.

Americans are a bit more positive about the effect the shooting will have on bipartisanship in politics. The poll also found that 70 percent of Americans think politicians will be more cooperative in the next few weeks or perhaps even next few months.

Since the shooting, a number of proponents of stricter gun control regulation have promised to submit legislation to tighten restrictions on the type of guns or magazine clips available to the public. Others, like Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), have said that law enforcement agencies should pay more attention to people with documented mental-health disorders who buy guns.