Gun Violence

Gun violence is a pressing issue that affects communities across America. Gun violence is a leading cause of premature death in the U.S. Guns kill more than 38,000 people and cause nearly 85,000 injuries each year. The misuse of firearms has led to devastating consequences, causing significant harm to individuals and communities. Understanding the factors contributing to gun violence is essential in addressing this problem.

Combating gun violence requires a multifaceted approach. It involves addressing issues of accessibility, gun safety laws, socio-economic disparities, mental health, and media influence. Educating the public about responsible gun ownership, promoting social welfare programs, and increasing access to mental health services are essential steps towards reducing gun violence.

Fast Facts

As of Dec. 7, 2023 at least 40,167 people have died from gun violence in the U.S. this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive – which is an average of almost 118 deaths each day. Of those who died, 1,306 were teens and 276 were children.
Deaths by suicide have made up the vast majority of gun violence deaths this year. There's been 22,506 deaths by gun suicide this year, an average of about 66 deaths by suicide per day in 2023.
The Oct. 25 mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, is the deadliest shooting of the year and one of the deadliest in recent decades. It left at least 18 people dead and 13 more injured, according to Maine Gov. Janet Mills.

Learn more about gun violence

More on gun violence prevention

“As our nation has this very intense debate over how best to make our communities safer and reduce the carnage that occurs from firearms, we’ve given you some policies that will work and how we can move this nation forward.” -- APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD

What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S.

More Americans died of gun-related injuries in 2021 than in any other year on record, according to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That included record numbers of both gun murders and gun suicides. Despite the increase in such fatalities, the rate of gun deaths – a statistic that accounts for the nation’s growing population – remained below the levels of earlier decades.

Firearm Deaths Grow, Disparities Widen

Comprehensive Strategies Can Prevent Violence and Help Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities

On gun violence, the United States is an outlier

Among 65 high-income countries and territories, the United States stands out for its high levels of gun violence. The US ranks seventh out of 65 for homicides by firearm (age-adjusted). Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, two US territories, rank first and fourth on that list. Firearm injuries tend to be more frequent in places where people have easy access to firearms

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