Gun Violence Facts

As of June 2025

 
 

Gun Violence in the United States

Data for 2024 has not yet been released by the CDC

  • Annual Gun Deaths: In 2023, nearly 47,000 people died from gun-related injuries in the U.S., according to CDC data. pewresearch.org

  • Suicide vs. Homicide: Approximately 57% of these deaths were suicides, while 43% were homicides and other causes. ammo.com

  • International Comparison: The U.S. continues to have a significantly higher firearm death rate compared to other high-income countries. For instance, despite similar gun ownership rates, Switzerland experiences far fewer gun-related homicides and mass shootings. start.umd.edu+2psypost.org+2reddit.com+2

    State Comparisons: Pennsylvania vs. New Jersey

    • Gun Death Rates:

      • Pennsylvania: In 2023, the firearm death rate was approximately 13.6 per 100,000 people.

      • New Jersey: In 2022, New Jersey had the fourth-lowest gun death rate in the U.S.usafacts.orgpublichealth.jhu.edu

    • Gun Laws:

      • New Jersey: Enforces a "One Handgun a Month" law, limiting handgun purchases to one every 30 days.

      • Pennsylvania: Does not have a limit on the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time.newjerseymonitor.com

    • Gun Trafficking:

      • New Jersey: Over two-thirds of guns used in crimes originate from out of state.

      • Pennsylvania: A significant number of crime guns are purchased within the state, indicating potential issues with in-state gun sales.

    Impact on Youth and Communities

    • Children and Teens: Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the U.S.washingtonpost.com+1ctinsider.com+1

    • Philadelphia:

      • In 2024, Philadelphia saw a 37% drop in homicides since 2021, indicating progress but also highlighting the ongoing challenges.

      • A 2022 assessment revealed that over 80% of homicide victims and suspects were Black, despite Black residents comprising approximately 44% of the city's population. whyy.org

    Why We Must Act on Gun Violence

    Gun violence affects all of us across communities, backgrounds, and beliefs. Every life is sacred, and the safety of our families and neighborhoods is a shared responsibility.

    Common-sense gun safety measures help reduce violence and illegal gun trafficking that disproportionately harms many of our communities.

    To truly make a difference, these laws must be fairly enforced and paired with community programs that promote healing, opportunity, and safety for everyone.

    Join us, across faiths, political beliefs, and backgrounds, in taking action to protect life, promote justice, and build safer communities for all.