In 2024, the United States Surgeon General declared gun violence a public health crisis. America ranks among the highest countries in the world for gun violence, and the highest compared to other high-income countries. Many states across the world have experience mass shooting events but often take steps to restrict gun ownership in the aftermath. However, mass shootings and gun violence continue to grow in the United States as more permissive policies are passed every day. Common sense gun laws must be enacted by the United States to stop the growing crisis.

Key takeaways:

• The United States has a highly unique relationship with guns; it is the only country in the world where civilian-owned guns outnumber the total population.
• A strong link can be found between states with permissive gun policies and high rates of gun violence.
• The epidemic of gun violence can be remedied through specific, foundational policies.

Policy Paper – Jenna Stinson

The analysis is in PDF under the link below.