A survey says that more than half of Americans dread the rise of Islamic extremism. The survey was done after the shoot-out at Fort Hood Army Base in Texas this month.

In the worst-ever shooting at any US army base, Major Nidal Malik Hassan, an Army Psychiatrist, allegedly shot down 12 fellow soldiers and a civilian to protest his future posting at the war zone.

The shooting by the Muslim soldier took place just two months after two Muslims were arrested for bomb-making plot, raising fears of a repercussion against the community in the US.

There are estimated to be more than five million Muslims in the US. According to the survey by the independent Pew Research Center done after the November 5 shooting, 52 percent Americans think that Islamic extremism is on the rise in the US.

In a similar survey by the center in 2007, only 46 Americans had fear over Muslim extremism in the country. The survey says 49 percent Americans today feel ‘very worried’ about Islamic extremism as against 48 percent in 2007. But only 29 percent today say they are ‘somewhat concerned’ as against 33 percent in 2007.

According to the Pew Research Center, the public tracked the reports on the army base shooting closely in addition to the ongoing investigation. People's reaction changed with their political association.

Compared to 65 percent Republicans, only 44 percent Democrats said that they are worried about the rising extremism.

But only 36 percent young Americans said Islamic extremism was on the rise, as against 60-65 percent old people.

Public concerns about the rise of Islamic extremism around the world largely mirror levels measured in April 2007, according to the survey. The phone survey was conducted between November 12 and November 15, involving 1,003 Americans.