POLL: Support for BLM protests PLUMMETS amid violent riots across America

The AP reported that one poll found that 44 percent of Americans disapproved of protests in response to police violence against black Americans, with only 39% approving. The outlet reported that 54 % approved in June.

The poll reveals the percentage of Americans who believe police violence unequally targets black Americans and that greater consequences are necessary has also dropped from June, with an AP-NORC survey finding staggering changes in how Americans view these issues.

The poll finds the percentage of Americans who believe police violence unequally targets Black Americans and that greater consequences for police brutality are necessary have also fallen from June, when an AP-NORC survey found sweeping changes in how Americans view these issues.

The recent polls now finds the shift in opinion to be most pronounced among white Americans and Republicans, with just 35 percent of white Americans approving the protests now, while 50 percent disapprove. In June, 53 percent approved, while 34 percent disapproved.

The trend in numbers among Latinos is the same, with just 31% approving, compared to 44% in June. Sixty-three percent of black Americans support the protests, down from 81 percent earlier in the summer. And more are now saying they neither approve nor disapprove.

“I was supportive back in June, but after seeing everything up until now, I’m almost dead against them,” said Dave Hipelious, 63, of New Lenox, Illinois.

Hipelious, who happens to be white, said that his support waned as he witnessed the violent unrest, arson, and looting that put a blemish on the largely peaceful demonstrations following the death of George Floyd.

“I was a pretty wild young man,” Hipelious said. “Every time the police stopped me, and every issue I had with them, I was completely in the wrong. I do believe they are doing their job right.”

The AP continued by saying: "Eighty-four percent of Black Americans, but just 42% of white Americans and 50% of Latinos, say police more often use deadly force against a Black person than a white person. While 74% of Black Americans say the criminal justice system is too lenient when officers cause injury or death, 47% of white Americans and 50% of Latinos say the same."

Seventy-five percent of Republicans say they disapprove of the protests now, up from 56 percent in June. And just nine percent approve, down from 29 percent then. Seventy percent of Democrats approve of the protests, and close to half describe them as mostly or all peaceful.