I. Historical Context

Gun violence, or mass shootings involving guns, remains a prominent and unavoidable reality within American society. The United States, according to research by Temple University in 2022, consistently has more gun-related deaths than any other developed country in the world. Indeed, in 2020, a total of 45,222 people died in the U.S. from gun-related injuries. A comprehensive understanding of these claims necessitates a historical analysis extending across centuries.

1600s-Present: Evolution of Quality, Access, and Control

Significant advancements have occurred both in firearm technologies and gun-related laws over the centuries. From the creation of gunpowder and early firearms in the 1200s to the modern day rifles in the 1900s, gun access and quality has significantly improved. The first major case pertaining to gun violence was conducted in 1934, when the National Firearms Act sought to curb Prohibition-era gun violence by regulating weapons deemed particularly dangerous, such as machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, through taxation. Although not definitive, the National Institute of Health in 2024 identifies that these policies significantly reduced intimate partner gun homicide use. The second major case regarding gun access was the Supreme Court case United States v. Miller, which held that the Second Amendment didn’t confer an individual right to guns and protects ownership of guns only if they have a reasonable relationship to militia services. This initial interpretation of the Second Amendment was deemed as too narrow, as it only focused on the “well-regulated Militia” clause within the document. This decision was later overturned through the District of Columbia v. Heller case which decided that people have the right to possess firearms for self-defense, but that this right is not unlimited and certain regulations (like restrictions on felons) are “presumptively lawful.” This decision ultimately increased gun access to the general public, ultimately increasing gun-related incidences of violence.

Historical Incidences of Gun Violence

When looking into America’s past, two main instances of gun violence are remembered. In 1966, the deadliest mass murder at that point in history took place at the University of Texas Austin. The “Texas Tower Sniper” killed 16 people and wounded 31 over 96 minutes, while using a bolt action rifle and semiautomatic weapons. However, the current deadliest mass murder took place in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017. Firing from the hotel into a country music festival, a shooter killed 58 people and wounded 546 over 10 minutes. By using assault rifles converted into automatic weapons, he achieved a casualty rate of one person per second. While these examples remain a stark representation of the past, most gun deaths, according to a University of Mexico study, are not mass shootings. For example, in 2015 gun suicides killed 22,000 Americans, homicides killed 13,000 people, and mass shootings killed 46. These trends highlight the importance of understanding recent trends in gun suicides and homicides.

Gun Homicides and Suicides

According to the Council on Criminal Justice in 2025, an analysis of over 43 cities identifies that gun homicides have decreased below pre-pandemic levels, a near 20% drop this year. This decline is likely due to a massive influx of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that has funded for things like new recreation centers and street lights in high-crime areas. Furthermore, Biden-era policies, such as the distribution of billions in grants to local non-profits focused on reducing crimes, significantly helped the cause. Furthermore, a Vox study conducting a meta-analysis identified that a decrease in homicide likely occurred due to significant improvements in rehabilitation centers to ensure that previous committers do not recirculate back to their violent past. While homicides have decreased, suicides related to gun use have spiked.

Specifically, a Johns Hopkins study  identifies that gun use for suicides among youth ages 10-19 has rapidly increased, especially among Black and Hispanic Youth. Due to a lack of administrative reach, gun suicide rates are higher in rural states. Further, males are seven times more likely than females to die of gun suicide. The 245% increase in gun suicides, according to the study, is likely attributable to increased gun ownership rates that began in 2020. This increase in suicides highlights the need for better response and intervention methods from the government and local NGOs to ameliorate the crisis. 

II. International Context

Gun violence in the United States of America is unique in comparison to other nations, both in absolute numbers and long-term rates of prevalence. The Small Arms Survey estimates 120 civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in the United States, a per-capita ratio that no other nation can achieve and is almost twice as high as the second-closest, the Falkland Islands. Americans, constituting less than 5 percent of the world's inhabitants, possess close to 46 percent of all civilian-owned firearms on the planet. The Commonwealth Fund surveys indicate the United States has a position in the 93rd percentile worldwide in death by weapons, and firearms are the leading cause of child death.

In 2023, the US rate of early deaths was nearly double the comparable rate for other high-income nations, and homicide rates were nearly seven and a half times as high. And gunshot deaths alone were responsible for over 43,000 deaths last year. Suicide is the leading cause, accounting for a little more than half of all gun homicides, and homicides provide most of the rest. Mass shootings, though responsible for less than two percent of all gun homicides, occur at a rate unparalleled in peer nations: from 1998 through 2019, the United States had had over 100 such incidents in public spaces, while no more than eight had happened in any other comparable nation during the same interval. 

Root explanations of the disparity run far into sheer quantities of weapons in circulation. The legal system bears much of the burden. The United States Constitution Second Amendment enshrines an individual right to bear and to carry arms, a right which has been reaffirmed in the Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010). These rulings enshrine the possession of handguns in the home for purposes of self-defense, but permit some of the long-standing exceptions and limit the range of regulatory options permitted well within what prevails in non-constitutionally protected countries. In federal style, the United States states maintain much of their own weapons policy to a large extent, and they craft a patchwork of regulations whose enforcement and scope vary far and wide.

Cultural tradition plays an equally strong influence. The Heritage Foundation places the right to bear arms in the American ideal of liberty, derived from the natural right of defense and civic duty to respond to criminal violence and potential tyranny. In that line of argument, universal citizen ownership of firearms promotes independence, civic virtue, and equality of might between citizen and state. American historic practices of life on the frontier, hunting, and local militia service as central to American character, and fear that loss of rights to weapons would destroy customs of self-government, have been invoked as justification for this argumentation by its proponents. Opponents of expansive gun rights, on the other hand, reply that arguments of culture succumb to the menace to public security inherent in high levels of accessibility of weaponry, particularly in the face of less-uniform standards of security.

Public health studies note that mental illness as such cannot explain the U.S.’s higher rate of gun death. A NIH study of 40 high-income nations saw no larger gap in the rate of mental disorders, specifically the most linked with suicide, between the U.S. and comparables. Gun ownership rates, on the other hand, strongly correlate with gun deaths. The Health System Tracker points to homicide and drug abuse mortality—both higher in the U.S.—as a prime cause of lower life expectancy compared to the rest of high-income democracies.

Policy analyses reveal that varied methods have quantifiable impacts. Child access prevention laws have strong evidence to reduce youth gunshot wounds and homicide, says the RAND Corporation. Shall-issue concealable weapon and stand-your-ground laws elevated rates of gun violence, as was found. High-capacity magazine laws and universal background checks have strong evidence to reduce homicide rates and mass slaughter casualties. The discoveries translate to an argument where injury minimization draws upon stricter laws’ advocates and new laws’ opponents' arguments of individuals’ rights, perceived uses of firearms for defense benefit, and issues in regulating efficacy.

Across the world, nations that have experienced mass shootings or outbreaks of gun violence have all reacted with immediate, comprehensive reforms. In the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur mass shooting, Australia's “National Firearms Agreement” prohibited some high-velocity firearms, enforced licensure and registration, and carried out a large-scale buyback, alongside a greater-than-50-percent decrease in subsequent decade gun fatalities. The United Kingdom legalised near-complete handgun prohibition in the wake of the 1996 Dunblane school shooting, and Canada has adopted tiered licensing structures and occasional bans in the wake of high-profile shootings. Japan's stringent gun control laws, alongside relatively low aggregate crime levels, have restricted gun fatalities to less than 100 annually in a population of 125 million. Such examples, say advocates of stricter American gun control, illustrate what effective policy entails; skeptics respond that the United States' distinctive constitutional, cultural, and demographic circumstances restrict transferability of such blueprints.

What becomes clear in comparisons of this type is a profile of a nation in which the right to bear arms under the Second Amendment, a fundamental tradition of individual independence, and varied state-level power are combined with public health and socio-economic conditions to yield levels of firearms deaths several-fold those of comparable nations. The issue of how to respond remains split, one that encompasses not just mutually antagonistic evaluations of the efficacy of policy, but, at last, conflicting visions of the ideal role of firearms within American life.

III. Impact on Young People 

Youth Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis and the Role of Youth Advocacy

Gun violence has emerged as a significant public health crisis in the United States, profoundly impacting youth. In 2020, firearms became the leading cause of death among children and adolescents, surpassing other causes such as motor vehicle accidents and cancer. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need to address the multifaceted effects of gun violence on young individuals and the critical role of youth perspectives and advocacy in combating this epidemic.

The Scope and Impact of Youth Gun Violence

The prevalence of gun violence among youth is staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms were the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in 2020, with firearm-related deaths increasing by 50% between 2020 and 2022. This surge in gun-related fatalities has placed an immense strain on public health systems and communities nationwide.

Beyond the immediate physical harm, exposure to gun violence has profound psychological effects on youth. Research indicates that young individuals who witness or experience gun violence are at heightened risk for developing mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These conditions can impede academic performance, strain familial relationships, and hinder social development, thereby perpetuating a cycle of trauma and disadvantage.

Disproportionate Effects on Communities of Color

The impact of gun violence is not uniformly distributed across all communities. Data reveals that Black youth are disproportionately affected, with firearm-related deaths among Black children and adolescents being significantly higher than their White counterparts. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including systemic inequalities, limited access to mental health services, and higher rates of exposure to community violence. Addressing these inequities requires targeted interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.

The Importance of Youth Perspectives in Prevention Efforts

Involving youth in discussions about gun violence is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. Young people possess firsthand experience and insights that can inform policies and programs aimed at reducing gun violence. Initiatives such as youth-led advocacy groups and peer education programs have demonstrated success in raising awareness and driving change within communities.

For instance, organizations like Project Unloaded engage youth in creating and disseminating messages that challenge cultural norms surrounding gun ownership and violence. By leveraging platforms popular among young people, these initiatives foster critical thinking and encourage a shift in attitudes toward gun violence.

Advocacy and Policy Change

Youth advocacy has been instrumental in influencing policy changes related to gun violence. The activism of young individuals has led to increased public awareness and legislative action aimed at reducing gun-related incidents. Programs that train young people in advocacy skills empower them to become agents of change, advocating for policies that promote safety and well-being.

An example of such empowerment is the "Demand a Seat: Students Edition" program by Everytown for Gun Safety, which trains young activists to run for political office and support campaigns for gun-sense candidates. This initiative provides comprehensive training on organizing, messaging, and campaigning, equipping youth with the tools needed to influence policy decisions.

Youth gun violence represents a complex public health challenge that necessitates a multifaceted response. By integrating youth perspectives into prevention efforts and supporting youth-led advocacy, communities can develop more effective strategies to combat this crisis. Empowering young individuals to take an active role in addressing gun violence not only fosters resilience but also ensures that solutions are informed by those most affected by the issue.

IV. Policy Gaps 

Both states and the federal government share authority over gun regulation. The federal government establishes baseline guidelines that every state must follow, including the prohibition of specific people (like those with felony convictions) from acquiring firearms. States, however, can adopt stricter policies tailored to their regions. 

State oversight of guns dates back to the Early Colonial Period in the 17th and 18th centuries. At that time, restrictions were rooted in discrimination specifically towards Catholics and enslaved people. In the 19th century, as populations urbanized, there was a proliferation of laws blocking minors from having the ability to purchase guns. Prejudice also continued, and following the Civil War, some Southern states passed Black Codes that denied formerly enslaved people the right to own firearms. Since then, federal legislation, starting with the National Firearms Act of 1934, has set gun control measures for the country. At the state level, over the past few years, a wide range of laws have been enforced and revised to suit state-specific preferences. Because states have the authority to execute their policy, there is a wide variation in gun laws from one state to another.

The following are the top three areas of policy variation among states:

1. Secure storage: Federal laws do not dictate how guns should be stored while in the possession of the owner. As a result, it is clarified by a variety of state-level laws. Secure storage refers to firearms locked up, unloaded, and not next to ammunition when not in use. 26 states and the District of Columbia have adopted secure storage or child-access prevention laws in hopes of reducing the risk of guns falling into the hands of unauthorized users. States without this law depend on advisory recommendations. 
2. Background checks: The government requires background checks for licensed dealers. Whether private sellers are legally bound to run a background check on a buyer depends on the state law. Roughly 45% of states have universal background check requirements, which apply to both public and private vendors. These laws may have exceptions for the transfer of weapons between family members. Arguments for universal background checks include that they reduce overall gun violence, lower homicide rates, and increase public confidence. Arguments against universal background checks assert that they infringe on the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, lack effectiveness, and are an invasion of privacy. 
3. Waiting Periods: Federal regulations do not impose a waiting period for firearm purchases, but many states do. A waiting period is the time between the purchase and transfer of a firearm. It is intended to create a “cooling-off” period to reduce firearm suicide and impulsive violence. It also allows for background checks to be approved. 14 states and the District of Columbia have mandated waiting periods for all firearm purchases. The duration varies, and typically ranges from 3 to 14 days. Some states have waiting periods only for certain types of weapons. For instance, Minnesota requires a 30-day wait on handguns and assault weapons. There are exceptions, including for law enforcement officers and military personnel.

Research shows that the strictness of state gun laws has a significant impact on gun violence rates. States with strict gun laws generally have lower firearm homicide rates. For example, California (with stricter laws) has about 3.5 gun homicides per 100,000 people, while Mississippi (with less strict laws) has about 10.2 per 100,0000, which is roughly three times higher. Moreover, Everytown for Gun Safety research projects that if every state adopted gun safety policies comparable to the nine states with the strongest laws, approximately 299,000 lives could be saved over the next decade. State-level laws have the potential to affect lives by influencing gun violence outcomes.

Guns often move from states with less strict gun laws to those with tighter regulations. For instance, between 2010 and 2019, over 526,000 guns used in crimes across the U.S. were traced to interstate purchases. This movement across borders creates enforcement challenges, since varying state laws allow firearms to be bought more easily in one state and then illegally transported to another with stricter controls.

A larger issue at play with gun violence and state regulations is not just the laws themselves, but the differences between states that create loopholes weakening their effectiveness. The lack of uniformity in gun laws across the country enables traffickers to exploit weaker regulations in one state to supply firearms that end up being used in crimes in another. This presents an ongoing challenge for law enforcement in tracing and preventing illegal gun transfers. Overall, it limits the potential impact of stronger gun laws within any single state without broader coordination.

V. Current Opinions 

The debate surrounding guns has always been central to the political sphere. About 4 in 10 adults state that they live in a house with a gun and around 32% say they personally own a gun. However, there is a split based on political affiliation, as 45% of Republicans and Independents claim they own a gun whereas only 20% of Democrats claim the same. In terms of gun control, almost 60% claim that there needs to be greater regulation and only 16% believe that there needs to be less regulation. Some gun policy proposals like restricting people with mental health issues from owning a gun and increasing the minimum age for buying a gun have bipartisan support. However, most policies continue to be politically divisive.

According to a survey taken by John Hopkins University in 2023, 72% of Americans support requiring a person to obtain a license from local law enforcement before buying a gun. Additionally, only 23% of Americans support allowing a person to carry a concealed weapon without having a conceal and carry license. In terms of assault rifles, there is significantly more support for their ban than handguns. However, this support has been waning over the past years going from 61% to 55%. Republican support, specifically, is even lower at 27%.

Law enforcement generally supports strengthening particular regulations around gun control. There seems to be consensus for more thorough background checks and allowing law enforcement to remove guns from at-risk households. Safe storage is also now gaining a lot of widespread support, especially among campaigns at the local level. Law enforcement has been using such campaigns to continue urging the necessity of safe storage and safer gun ownership.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is often viewed as a vocal opponent to gun safety reformation, but this isn’t an entirely accurate depiction. The NRA holds that they support school safety and ensuring that at-risk individuals can not gain access to a gun. However, the NRA opposes assault rifle bans as well as stronger background checks especially with private companies.

Despite heated discussion, many Americans support policies like increased background checks and keeping guns away from at-risk individuals. These public opinions shape communities and how they handle the threat of gun violence. Law enforcement is also seen to be echoing many of these views and making sure that their communities remain safe. Although there are some areas of consensus, there remains much disagreement around this issue across party lines. These disagreements are often divisive and make it challenging to secure bipartisan support for certain pieces of legislation.

VI. Evidenced-Based Solutions

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA)

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), which was enacted into law in 2022, is the most important piece of federal gun legislation in three decades. Its provisions include expanding background checks on gun purchases made by those under 21, allowing the FBI to review juvenile and mental health records, offering state funding for state-level red flag laws or extreme risk protection orders, eliminating of the “boyfriend loophole” by prohibiting gun purchases by dating partners convicted of domestic violence, and creating stronger penalties for straw purchasing and gun trafficking. An ATF rule later clarified that more unlicensed gun sellers must register as dealers and conduct background checks. Early results show that between October 2022 and December 2023, under-21 background checks blocked nearly 500 attempted purchases by prohibited buyers. Supporters argue these provisions are a step in the right direction, while critics point out that most gun crimes involve weapons bought outside of legal markets, limiting the law’s impact.

Policies with Proven Effectiveness

Beyond the BSCA, research on “common-sense” gun policies show that some policies are more effective than others. Child access prevention laws, which require safe firearm storage, are linked with to a decline in accidental deaths and suicides among children (National Library of Medicine). Waiting periods have reduced gun homicides and suicides by delaying immediate access to firearms. Licensing requirements, such as Connecticut’s 1995 handgun permit-to-purchase law, were linked to a 40 percent decline in firearm homicides, while Missouri’s repeal of a similar law in 2007 led to a measurable increase (National Library of Medicine). Red flag laws demonstrate particular promise in preventing suicides, with evidence that for every ten to twenty orders issued, at least one suicide is prevented, though their success depends on state adoption/ enforcement.

Policies with Mixed or Limited Effectiveness

Other policies have produced mixed or limited outcomes. The 1994–2004 federal assault weapons ban had little effect on overall gun crime, though some studies suggest that it reduced the lethality of mass shootings. Gun buyback programs, while politically popular, tend to collect firearms that are older and not commonly used in crimes, limiting their effectiveness. Concealed carry laws and Stand Your Ground laws remain controversial. Several studies link concealed carry laws and Stand Your Ground provisions to higher homicide rates (RAND), but advocates argue these policies deter criminals and affirm the right to self-defense.

Political and Law Enforcement Perspectives

Discussion over these policies highlights the political divide surrounding gun violence. Democratic lawmakers typically  focus on expanding background checks, funding red flag laws, and promoting safe storage requirements. Republicans typically stress the importance of enforcing existing laws, addressing mental health, and protecting Second Amendment rights. Law enforcement perspectives vary, with some leaders supporting child access prevention and licensing requirements, while others argue resources should focus on illegal gun trafficking and gang activity.

VII. Conclusion

Gun violence is now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents in the United States, which shows the urgency of the issue. While evidence suggests certain laws reduce firearm-related deaths, the question of implementation remains highly political. Policymakers continue to disagree on whether prevention is best achieved through stricter regulations, stronger enforcement, or a combination of both.

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