Firearm violence in the United States is taking lives at a rate that’s hard to wrap our minds around. According to a new report from the Commonwealth Fund, the U.S. gun death rate is 15 per 100,000 people, putting us shockingly close to Haiti’s rate and even higher than some war-torn countries. Let that sink in for a moment—the number of Americans dying from firearms each year is at levels we’d expect in active conflict zones.
Comparing Deaths from Gun Violence in the U.S. with Other Countries | Commonwealth Fund
In Arizona, we’re seeing this crisis up close. Our report on firearm violence paints a painful picture of gun-related deaths and injuries across the state. Arizona’s firearm death rate is one of the highest in the country, with both homicides and suicides taking a huge toll on families and communities. Gun violence isn’t just a tragic statistic—it’s a preventable public health crisis that’s affecting young people, communities of color, and rural areas across Arizona.
Firearm Violence in Arizona: Data to Support Prevention Policies
The statistics are grim, especially when we look at specific groups. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for kids and teens in the U.S., and this is just as true in Arizona. The burden is especially heavy for Indigenous and Hispanic communities, who experience higher rates of firearm deaths than the state average.
Firearm Violence in Arizona: An Avoidable Public Health Crisis – AZ Public Health Association
These aren’t just numbers; they represent real lives—children, parents, and friends who are lost forever because of preventable violence. And the ripple effects of this violence are profound, creating lasting trauma, fear, and uncertainty in Arizona communities.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. There are proven steps that Arizona can take to reduce gun violence, save lives, and create safer communities. The evidence is clear that a few common-sense, foundational laws could make a meaningful difference:
- Child Access Prevention (CAP) and Safe Storage Laws: CAP laws encourage safe storage practices by holding gun owners accountable for keeping firearms out of children’s reach. This small step could drastically reduce accidental shootings involving young children, a tragedy that’s entirely avoidable.
- Repeal Stand-Your-Ground Law: Arizona’s current “stand-your-ground” or “shoot first” law encourages dangerous confrontations by removing the duty to retreat when safe to do so. It’s been shown to increase unnecessary violence and repealing it would help make Arizona a safer place for everyone.
- Background Checks and Permit Requirements: A comprehensive background check and permit system would make it harder for guns to fall into the wrong hands. This includes closing loopholes that allow individuals to buy firearms without any screening process. Background checks are a proven tool to prevent gun violence and are supported by a large majority of Americans.
- Extreme Risk Protection (Red Flag) Laws: Extreme Risk Protection Orders allow family members or law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who are at risk of harming themselves or others. These laws have shown success in preventing suicides and reducing gun-related harm in other states.
It’s time to act. Arizona can be a leader in addressing this public health crisis by passing these evidence-based laws that we know save lives. Other states that have adopted these measures have seen real reductions in gun violence. Every day we delay is another day that lives are lost unnecessarily to firearm violence.
By taking these four steps, Arizona can make a meaningful difference and help protect families, children, and communities across the state.
Editorial Note: We had hoped there would be an opening available to pass some evidence-based policies to stem the tide of firearm deaths in Arizona like passing child access prevention, ‘Red Flag’ laws and state background checks. Sadly, those efforts will now be set aside for yet another year. While some legislators will likely propose such laws again – like in previous years they will not be given an opportunity by leadership to be assigned to committees.
