New Times,
New Thinking.

  1. Chart of the Day
5 July 2022

Shooting deaths in the US reveal the deadly cost of America’s gun obsession

There were 39,682 deaths from guns in 2019, the worst rate in the developed world.

By Nicu Calcea

Just a month and a half after an 18-year-old entered an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday and killed 21 people, 6 people have been killed in a mass shooting at an Independence Day parade in Illinois. The United States has the highest share of gun-related deaths among all developed countries, and one of the highest in the world.

 

There were 39,682 deaths from firearms in the US in 2019, or around 12.1 deaths for every 100,000 people, according to figures compiled by researchers at the University of Sydney (including homicides, suicides and accidents). Austria and Switzerland, which have some of the highest concentrations of guns in Europe, had more than four times fewer gun deaths when adjusted for population. 

Since 1999, nearly 700,000 Americans have died from firearms, which is more than America suffered in both world wars. Across the world, the US has the tenth-highest gun mortality rate. 

Research has shown that firearm-related deaths are distributed unequally across the US, with black Americans disproportionately at risk of being victims of gun violence at 15.6 homicides per 100,000 people, compared with 1.8 per 100,000 among white Americans. 

A 2020 study found that some forms of gun control, such as limiting children’s access to guns and restricting concealed carry permits and “stand your ground” policies could significantly reduce gun deaths

[See also: US gun violence is not just a domestic political issue]

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
Homes for all: how can Labour shape the future of UK housing?
The UK’s skills shortfall is undermining growth
<strong>What kind of tax reforms would stimulate growth?</strong>

Topics in this article :