The rate of suicides involving guns in the United States has reached the highest level since officials began tracking it more than 50 years ago, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The rate increased by more than 10 percent in 2022 compared with 2019, and in some racial and ethnic groups, the rise was significantly steeper, especially among Native Americans.
Overall, about 27,000 of 50,000 suicides were carried out by gun in 2022.
At the same time, outside experts noted, the increased rates also correlated with another trend seen during the acute phase of the pandemic: rising gun sales.
“When there are more firearms, there are more firearm suicides,” said Michael Anestis, the executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center.
Persons:
”, Michael Anestis
Organizations:
Centers for Disease Control, New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center
Locations:
United States