In 2020, the majority of gun deaths in the U.S. were suicides (60.9%), followed by homicides (35.3%) and accidental shootings (2.8%).
Gun violence is a significant public health issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 38,658 gun deaths in the U.S. in 2020, which represents a 4% increase from the previous year. Gun violence disproportionately affects certain populations, including young people, racial and ethnic minorities, and residents of urban areas.
There are several different types of gun violence, including homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings. In 2020, the majority of gun deaths in the U.S. were suicides (60.9%), followed by homicides (35.3%) and accidental shootings (2.8%).
The rates of gun violence vary significantly by state. In 2020, the states with the highest rates of gun deaths per 100,000 population were:
Mississippi: 21.6
Alabama: 19.5
Wyoming: 19.4
Montana: 18.4
Louisiana: 18.2
On the other hand, the states with the lowest rates of gun deaths per 100,000 population in 2020 were:
Hawaii: 3.4
Massachusetts: 3.7
New York: 4.0
Rhode Island: 4.1
New Jersey: 4.2
It is important to note that these rates may be influenced by a variety of factors, including state laws, cultural and societal norms, and economic and social conditions.
Overall, gun violence in the U.S. has decreased significantly in recent decades. From 2010 to 2020, the number of gun deaths in the U.S. decreased by 19%. However, the U.S. still has one of the highest rates of gun violence among developed countries.
There are many different policies and interventions that have been proposed to address gun violence in the U.S., including background checks for gun purchases, restrictions on certain types of firearms, and initiatives to promote safe storage of guns.
It is important for policymakers, public health officials, and communities to continue to work together to identify and implement effective strategies to reduce gun violence and improve public safety.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Firearm injury and death from intentional and unintentional causes. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/firearm.html
Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. (2021). State gun laws. Retrieved from https://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/
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