Overwhelming majority says gun violence is the new normal

More than 7 in 10 Americans in a new poll say that mass shootings are now commonplace in U.S. life.

Approximately 71 percent say gun violence is a normal part of the national culture, according to the NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey. 

{mosads}In contrast, 21 percent say that mass shootings like the one in San Bernardino, Calif., earlier this month are unusual.

About 32 percent also say they worry themselves or a loved one will become gun violence victims.

In addition, more Americans are worrying about terrorist attacks in general, pollsters found.

Approximately 29 percent are “very” or “fairly” worried about becoming a victim of terrorism. That marks a 1-point increase from the 28 percent reported after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

About 70 percent remain unworried or only slightly worried about the terror threat, however.

The NBC News/Wall Street Journal survey of 1,000 adults, conducted Dec. 6–9, has a 3.1 percent margin of error.

Its results were released the third anniversary of a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that killed 20 children and 6 teachers.

President Obama has repeatedly criticized Congress for its inaction on stricter firearms regulations in the wake of the tragedy.

More recently, gun control groups launched a fresh push for stricter rules following multiple mass shootings, including the attack in San Bernardino.

Other shootings have occurred at a Planned Parenthood in Colorado, a community college in Oregon and a church in South Carolina.