American basketball player Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia since February when she was arrested for allegedly carrying vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in the airport. The U.S. government has said Griner was “wrongfully detained,” but there is no trial date for the Olympian or end in sight for her detainment.
YouGov asked Americans their thoughts about Griner’s detention in March, shortly after news of her arrest became public. In a follow-up poll conducted May 13 - 16 with the same questions, Americans expressed slightly more definite opinions on Griner’s captivity. They are marginally more concerned (47% of Americans are very or somewhat concerned now, compared to 42% in March), with most of that change coming from a decrease in “not sure” responses, and much of it happening among Democrats.
There is a slight increase in Americans’ belief that the Biden administration should be doing more to free Griner (27% now, 23% in March). About one-quarter say the government is doing the right amount, up from 20% in March. Four in 10 Democrats say the government should be doing more, compared to 22% of Independents and 21% of Republicans — down from 26% in March.
This poll was conducted on May 13 - 16, 2022, among 1,000 U.S. adult citizens. Explore more on the methodology and data for this poll
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