Gun Safety

Elections

Kamala Harris’s Comments About Gun Ownership Belie the Risks, Researchers Say

Studies have consistently found that having a gun at home increases a person’s risk of homicide, suicide, and accidental shootings.

Chicago

In Chicago, the Odds of Surviving a Shooting Are Getting Worse

A new Trace analysis shows a decreasing percentage of Chicagoans survive gunfire. Researchers, experts, and community members say access to more lethal weapons and devices that make guns more dangerous are to blame.

Gun Policy

Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban on Rapid-Fire Bump Stocks

The devices were banned after the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. The SCOTUS decision puts them back in civilian hands.

Changemakers

Friends Don’t Let Friends Buy Guns

Public health messaging once convinced young people to buckle up and stop smoking. In the TikTok era, a new set of activists is clarifying the dangers posed by firearms.

The Trajectory

Can Veteran-Led Training Make Suicide Prevention More Effective?

Firearm suicide is among the leading causes of death for veterans. A new program aims to teach mental health practitioners how veterans think about their guns.

Gun Safety

This Is What the NRA Looks Like in Decline

The group is slowly abandoning its original mission to teach Americans how to handle guns. Spending on these programs has dropped 77 percent in less than a decade.

Gun Safety

After the Subway Shooting, NYC Transit Workers Say They’re Still Not Trained to Deal With Gunfire

A dozen train conductors and operators said a lack of protocols and training leaves MTA employees — and subway riders — in danger.

The Trajectory

Public Libraries Can Play a Role in Gun Violence Prevention

Libraries have always sought to build stronger, more resilient communities. These days, they’re also furthering public safety.

Extreme Risk Protection Orders

Research Indicates That Red Flag Laws Work — But Only If People Know About Them

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act incentivized states to implement extreme risk protection orders, and provide information about them to the public. A new study focuses on what messages are likely to work best.

Data

One Major Factor Missing From the Gun Safety Debate: Alcohol

Research shows that drinking is a driver — and predictor — of gun violence. But state laws regulating if chronic abusers may own or carry guns are wildly inconsistent.

The Industry

Family of Slain College Baseball Star Sues SIG Sauer Over Alleged Pistol Defect

A new lawsuit claims 21-year-old Dalton Harrell was killed by his friend's P938 when it was dropped on the ground.

Ask The Trace

In America, Accidental Shootings Among Children Occur Nearly Every Other Day

Over the past year, 162 children under 13 shot themselves or another child with an unsecured gun.

Gun Policy

New Jersey’s Effort to Pave the Way for Smart Guns Hits Another Bump

After a 20-year wait, it's unclear if a controversial state law requiring gun stores to carry smart guns will finally take effect.

The Industry

Lawmakers Push for Guns to be Regulated Like Other Products

Following an investigation by The Trace and The Washington Post, members of Congress are calling for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to be given the power to oversee firearms.

Ask The Trace

Gun Buybacks Are Popular, But Do They Work?

Offering cash for guns can be a quick way to get some firearms off the streets. Readers question whether the programs actually reduce violence.