Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis

The US Surgeon General declares gun violence a public health crisis as data reveals alarming statistics on firearm-related deaths and legal gun sales.

Earlier this week, the US Surgeon General issued a 39-page advisory recognizing gun violence as a public health threat. The advisory noted a disturbing increase in firearm-related deaths, with rates reaching a near three-decade high in 2021.

Approximately one-third of Americans own guns, reflecting a deep-rooted gun culture. In the first four months of 2024, 5.5 million firearms were purchased nationwide. Texas, the second most populous state, accounted for 9% of these sales, with nearly half a million guns sold.

Gun Sales Statistics:

• SafeHomes.org analyzed FBI background check data to determine the states with the highest recent firearm purchases.
• Nationwide gun sales decreased by 4% in 2023 compared to the previous year, with 16.7 million firearms sold.
• Four states saw an increase in gun sales: Florida (1%), North Carolina (112%), Illinois (5%), and New Hampshire (3%).
• The top four states with the highest gun sales in 2023 were Texas, Florida, California, and Pennsylvania.
• Adjusted for population, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska had the highest gun sales rates.
• Rob Gabriele, Managing Editor of SafeHomes, attributed this to hunting traditions, pro-gun cultures, and the need for self-defense in rural areas.

The Impact of Gun Violence:

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized the devastating impact of gun violence, with over 48,000 lives lost in 2022, a significant increase from 2010. Firearm-related suicides have also risen by 20%, including a sharp rise among young people.

Gun violence has become the leading cause of death in children, and the surge in firearms has Americans fearing for their safety. Reuters reports that more than half of US adults worry about themselves or loved ones becoming victims.

As the nation grapples with this public health crisis, the polarizing political landscape surrounding gun control continues to intensify.