Montana has the 2nd Highest Rate of Gun Suicide in the Country with 82% of Gun Deaths Being Gun Suicide; Everytown Ranks Montana 47 of 50 for its Weak Gun Laws
In Montana, a Gun Suicide Death Occurs Every 43 hours
HELENA, Mont. — The Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots network, issued the following statement celebrating a new $300,000 budget allocation for firearm suicide prevention through secure storage programs with the Montana Veterans Affairs Division. With one of the country’s highest rates of gun suicide, this new funding will be vital to spread awareness and curb Montana’s gun violence crisis. Throughout this year’s session, Moms Demand Action volunteers pushed for suicide prevention policies, including funding for firearm suicide prevention.
“Far too many of us have lost someone to suicide or a suicide attempt — this new funding is a meaningful step toward addressing that crisis,” said Beckie Squires, a volunteer with the Montana chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We thank Governor Greg Gianforte for signing this item into the budget and urge our state leaders to take further action. From secure storage laws to extreme risk protection orders, there’s an arsenal of policies we can use to work together to save lives — and prevent a moment of crisis from turning fatal in the blink of an eye.”
Montana ranks 47th in the nation for its weak gun laws.The Treasure State has one of the highest rates of gun deaths and gun suicide rates in the country. Montana’s state legislature has repeatedly made the state’s weak laws even weaker. In 2021, state lawmakers eliminated the permit requirement for carrying a concealed gun in public and required colleges and universities to allow guns on their campuses. Meanwhile, the rate of gun suicide increased 28% from 2014 to 2023, compared to a 20% change nationwide, and 82% of gun deaths in the state are suicide.
More information on Montana’s gun laws is available here.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a counselor from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress anywhere in the US.