Breaking: US Firearm Homicide Rate Shows Promising Decline Post-Pandemic
US firearm homicide rate declines in 2022 after years of increases, per CDC data Promising trend towards reducing gun violence
According to data released on Thursday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of firearm-related homicides in the United States has dropped in 2022. This marks the first decline in the national firearm homicide rate since a significant uptick was observed between 2019 and 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, as reported by the CDC.
Between 2019 and 2020, there was a notable 35% increase in the overall firearm homicide rate, rising from 4.4 deaths per 100,000 individuals nationwide in 2019 to 5.8 in 2020. This represented the highest rate observed in the preceding 20 years, only to further surge in 2021 to 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
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Data from the CDC in 2022 indicates a provisional decrease of approximately 6% in the mortality rate, with 5.9 deaths per 100,000 people. However, these figures still significantly surpass the 2019 rate of 4.4 deaths per 100,000. The CDC data reveals that racial disparities persist at similar levels as previous years across all race and ethnicity groups.
Despite a slight decline, non-Hispanic Black or African American individuals continue to have the highest rates of firearm homicides. The rate for Black individuals in 2022 (27.5) was lower than in 2021 (30.4) and 2020 (28.3), but still significantly higher than in 2019 (20.5).
Significantly, the firearm homicide rate for American Indian or Alaska Native individuals in 2022 was 9.3 deaths per 100,000, surpassing rates in both 2021 (7.7) and 2020 (7.9). It was the sole ethnic group that experienced an increase in the rate of deaths in 2022.
The rate among Hispanic individuals remained higher than 2019, although it leveled off in 2022. Rates among non-Hispanic White individuals and Asian or Pacific Islanders, although lower, increased between 2019 and 2021, but then decreased in 2022.
According to CDC researchers, the higher rates of firearm-related homicide deaths can be attributed to various factors, including economic disparities, social inequities, and healthcare-related issues, all of which were exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
There are ways to help mitigate these factors, the report said.
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The report stated that these efforts consist of policies and programs aimed at promoting economic and housing security, hospital and community-based outreach, violence interruption programs, and initiatives to improve secure firearm storage to prevent unauthorized access or use. The White House highlighted the new report on Thursday, hailing the significant progress shown by the overall decrease in the gun homicide rate last year.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has urged Congress to take further actions for gun violence prevention. She emphasized the findings of the report, which revealed the disproportionate impact on communities of color. According to the report, Black Americans are particularly vulnerable to gun homicides, experiencing a rate over four times higher than the general population. Don't miss CNN Health's weekly newsletter.
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President Biden made history last year when he signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law. This groundbreaking federal legislation is the most impactful measure to tackle gun violence since the expiration of the 10-year assault weapons ban in 1994.
"God willing, this will save numerous lives," Biden expressed during the bill signing.
While the legislation does not prohibit any firearms and falls significantly below Biden and his party's desired measures, it encompasses $750 million allocated to aid states in the execution and operation of crisis intervention programs. These funds can be utilized to establish and oversee red flag programs that, through court orders, temporarily prevent individuals in distress from obtaining firearms. Additionally, the money can support other crisis intervention initiatives such as mental health courts, drug courts, and veterans courts.
CNNs Betsy Klein contributed to this report.
