CHANGING POLL NUMBERS

Polls have found the public divided over whether shootings reflect broader societal problems.

2007

■ 46 percent of people polled after the Virginia Tech shooting said it reflected broader problems in society.

■ 47 percent said it was an isolated act by a troubled individual.

2011 ■ 31 percent of people polled after the Tucson, Ariz., shooting said it reflected broader problems in society.

■ 58 percent said it was just an isolated act by a troubled individual.

JULY 2012 ■ 24 percent of people polled after the Aurora, Colo., shooting said it reflected broader problems in society.

■ 67 percent said it was just an isolated act by a troubled individual.

DECEMBER 2012 ■ 47 percent of people polled after the Newtown, Conn., shooting said it reflected broader problems in society.

■ 44 percent said it was just an isolated act by a troubled individual. Attitudes toward gun control: before and after the Shots

AURORA, COLO. ■ 45 percent of people said to control gun ownership before the shooting in April 2012.

■ 47 percent of people said to control gun ownership after the shooting in July 2012.

TUCSON, ARIZ. ■ 50 percent of people said to control gun ownership before the shooting in September 2010.

■ 46 percent of people said to control gun ownership after the shooting in January 2011.

VIRGINIA TECH ■ 58 percent of people said to control gun ownership before the shooting in February 2004.

■ 60 percent of people said to control gun ownership after the shooting in April 2007.

COLUMBINE ■ 57 percent of people said to control gun ownership before the shooting in December 1993.

■ 65 percent of people said to control gun ownership after the shooting in May 1999.