Nearly three of four Utahns believe there will be a “major” terrorist attack in the U.S. in 2018, a new poll for UtahPolicy.com by Dan Jones & Associates finds.
That’s a pretty pessimistic outlook for a Republican state in confidence that GOP President Donald Trump’s administration will keep the country safe.
There have been, of course, domestic attacks that could be called “terroristic” in nature – like the mass shooting in Las Vegas.
But the U.S. has not seen the kind of bombings and mass killings by radical Islamists happening in other countries.
And certainly nothing like the 9/11 attacks of 2001.
Still, a large majority of Utahns believe such attacks could be coming in 2018.
Jones finds:
- 72 percent of all Utahns say such attacks are “very” or “somewhat” likely.
- 26 percent say they are unlikely.
- While 3 percent don’t know.
There is not a great deal of difference in opinions by political party – a rather odd kind of agreement:
- Republicans believe the attacks are likely, 71-25 percent.
- Democrats agree, 76-23 percent.
- While political independents, who don’t belong to any political party, say likewise, 71-26 percent.
Breakouts by political philosophy also don’t vary that much:
- The “very conservatives,” 69-29 percent say it’s likely.
- “Somewhat conservative,” 74-23 percent.
- “Moderates,” 70-27 percent.
- “Somewhat liberal,” 76-23 percent.
- And “very liberal,” 84-16 percent.
Mormons are usually an optimistic lot. But not on the question of a terrorist attack on the U.S.
Those who told Jones they are “very active” LDS believe a major attack is coming in 2018, 72-25 percent.
Jones poll 600 Utahns from Nov. 16-21. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
