U.S. Ranks among the Highest for Gun-Related Deaths: Over 50% of U.S. Adults have Experienced Gun-Related Violence

U.S. Ranks among the Highest for Gun-Related Deaths: Gun violence continues to be a major public health concern in the United States, affecting countless lives each year. Dr. John Taylor’s column, “Seeking Common Ground on Gun Violence”, published in the Courier on January 8, 2025, sheds light on this pressing issue. He discusses the alarming rate of gun-related deaths in the U.S., the public’s demand for common-sense gun laws, and the urgent need to send a clear message to policymakers, gun manufacturers, and other stakeholders that enough is enough.

In this article, we’ll explore how severe the gun violence problem is nationwide, with a specific focus on Colorado. We’ll also discuss effective prevention measures that can help reduce these tragic incidents.

The Scope of Gun Violence in the United States

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Gun violence in the U.S. has reached alarming levels compared to other developed countries. On June 25, 2024, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy officially declared firearm violence a public health crisis. According to his advisory:

• Over 50% of U.S. adults have either experienced gun-related violence themselves or know a family member who has.
• Guns are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.
• Firearms are the most common weapons used in domestic violence against women.

Globally, the U.S. ranks among the highest for gun-related deaths:

• 93rd percentile for overall firearm mortality
• 92nd percentile for child and teen firearm deaths
• 96th percentile for female firearm deaths

The U.S. also has the eighth highest firearm mortality rate for women worldwide. (Source: Commonwealth Fund, October 2024)

Gun Violence in Colorado: A Disturbing Trend

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Colorado’s gun death rates have been higher than the national average every year from 2014 to 2023. In 2023 alone:

• 1,030 gun-related deaths occurred in the state, averaging about three deaths per day.
• Suicides accounted for 70% of these deaths, with 725 lives lost.
• 56% of all suicides involved firearms.
• 268 gun homicides took place, making up 26% of all gun-related deaths.

What’s more concerning is the rise in gun-related homicides. In 2014, 59% of homicides involved guns, but by 2023, this number had increased to 71%. (Source: Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence, November 2024)

Key Strategies to Prevent Gun Violence

Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest several proven methods to help reduce gun-related deaths, especially among children.

1. Strengthening Gun Violence Prevention Research

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In 1996, Congress passed the Dickey Amendment, which restricted the use of federal funds to promote gun control, limiting gun violence research. However, in 2018, this was reinterpreted, allowing federal funding for research into gun violence prevention. In recent years, Congress has allocated funds to study this issue, and it’s crucial that this funding continues.

2. Expanding Background Check Laws

Federal laws do not require background checks for private gun sales outside of licensed dealers. However, 17 states and the District of Columbia have laws mandating background checks for all gun sales. Colorado is one of these states, and research shows that:

• States with universal background checks have lower rates of gun homicides, suicides, and gun trafficking.

3. Implementing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs)

ERPOs allow family members or law enforcement to request a court order to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.

• Colorado has an ERPO law, which has been effective in preventing suicides and violent incidents.
• Considering that 70% of gun deaths are suicides, ERPOs can be life-saving tools.

4. Enforcing Safe Storage Laws

Colorado passed a safe storage law in 2021, requiring that guns in homes be:

• Unloaded
• Locked in a gun safe or with a gun lock
• Ammunition stored separately

Additionally, as of January 1, 2025, Colorado law mandates that firearms stored in cars must be kept in a locked container and out of sight. This law aims to reduce gun thefts, as over 50% of stolen guns in the U.S. are taken from vehicles.

Proper gun storage significantly reduces risks:

• 78% lower risk of self-inflicted gun injuries
• 85% lower risk of unintentional firearm injuries among children and teens (Source: JAMA, 2005)

Gun violence is a complex issue, but there are proven strategies to reduce its impact. Colorado’s progress in passing common-sense gun laws, including universal background checks, ERPOs, and safe storage requirements, demonstrates that change is possible when communities and lawmakers work together.

Balancing the Second Amendment’s right to bear arms with the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and safety under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments is challenging. However, the majority of Americans support reasonable gun laws aimed at protecting lives without infringing on constitutional rights.

By continuing to advocate for research, stronger background checks, ERPOs, and safe storage practices, we can make Colorado—and the nation—a safer place for everyone.

Source: https://www.alamosanews.com/stories/most-americans-want-common-sense-gun-laws,71903

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