IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Poll: Many Americans say they fear new attacks

Many in the United States worry about another terrorist attack, according to recent AP-Ipsos polling. Half of those surveyed say the attacks five years ago changed the way they live, and about the same number express doubts about the fight against terror.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Many in the United States worry about another terrorist attack, according to recent AP-Ipsos polling. Half of those surveyed say the attacks five years ago changed the way they live, and about the same number express doubts about the fight against terror.

Some findings from the AP-Ipsos polling:

  • Not quite half in this country, 43 percent, say they are worried about another terrorist attack on the U.S.
  • For those living in the New York and Washington areas, most fear their own communities will be struck again — higher than the level of fear of an attack on their own communities elsewhere in the country.
  • Half in this country say the Sept. 11 attacks have affected the way they lead their lives today. Those people were most likely to report being more cautious, more suspicious of people around them, being uncomfortable in public places and being wary of public transportation.
  • President Bush still gets high marks for his handling of the Sept. 11 attacks, with about six in 10, 59 percent, saying they approve.
  • Just over half in the poll, 51 percent, say they doubt that Osama bin Laden will ever be caught.
  • Half say they feel the cost of fighting terrorism may be too high.
  • Almost half, 45 percent, say they have less faith in the government's ability to protect them.
  • Six in 10 say they expect there will be more terrorism because of the U.S. war in Iraq.

The AP-Ipsos polling of about 1,000 adults was conducted in two waves between Aug. 7-17 and has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.