2020 Brought Highest Rate of Gun-Related Deaths in More Than 25 Years

Earlier today, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a new report showing that 2020 brought the highest rate of gun-related deaths in more than a quarter-century. According to the data, more than 45,000 people died by gun violence in the U.S. The data also highlights a disproportionate impact on Black people in the United States – especially Black men. 

The new report comes as gun violence continues to devastate communities every day and some state legislatures across the country continue to weaken their state’s gun laws – over the objection of advocates and law enforcement – and push policies like permitless carry and bills to expand Shoot First laws, and nullify federal gun laws. Analysis by Everytown shows that states with weaker gun laws are associated with higher rates of gun deaths and that strong gun laws save lives.

In 2021, Everytown for Gun Safety researchers released a comprehensive report about how gun violence was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Record increases in gun sales, children homebound like never before, social isolation, and economic struggles due to COVID-19 put many people at increased risk for gun violence. The pandemic has also highlighted the danger of having weak gun laws that enable easy access to firearms by people with dangerous histories. More information from the report is available here. 

In a briefing today, CDC officials pointed to violence intervention programs as one of the solutions to preventing gun violence. In the past few years, Moms Demand Action and Student Demand Action volunteers have advocated for millions of dollars in funding for local groups and Everytown has launched funding grants for community safety programs and domestic violence prevention programs. 

To speak with a researcher or expert on how to prevent this gun violence and what we are seeing today, please don’t hesitate to reach out