The US leads high-income nations in gun violence
Source
Mohsen Naghavi, et al., “Global Mortality from Firearms, 1990–2016,” JAMA 320, no. 8 (2018): 792–814.
GUN LAWS SAVE LIVES
The research is clear: gun laws work. The nation’s courts agree: gun laws are fully compatible with the Second Amendment. And the American people have spoken: our weak gun safety laws are killing nearly 40,000 Americans every year. Something must change.
For 30 years, Giffords Law Center has been at the forefront of the fight for justice and legislative reform. And we won’t stop until we’ve put an end to this epidemic once and for all.
For 30 years, Giffords Law Center has been at the forefront of the fight for justice and legislative reform. And we won’t stop until we’ve put an end to this epidemic once and for all.
BY THE NUMBERS
200+
Americans shot and injured every day
On average, at least 200 Americans are non-fatally injured with a firearm each day. The majority of these injuries are gun assaults, while less than 5% are suicide attempts.
Source
Based on three most recent years of complete data (2013, 2014, and 2016). Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, last accessed June 25, 2020, hcupnet.ahrq.gov.
BLACK AMERICANS ARE AT HIGHER RISK OF GUN HOMICIDE
Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2020 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released in 2021. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2020, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed at http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html on Mar 17, 2022. Calculations were based on five years of the most recently available data: 2016 to 2020
SPOTLIGHT
GUN LAW SCORECARD
The data is clear: states with stronger gun laws have less gun violence. See how your state compares in our annual ranking.
Read MoreEducating & Informing the Public
We combine deep expertise with tenacity and fierce dedication to lasting systemic change. We arm advocates, legislators, and the media with the tools they need to understand the facts about this crisis and the solutions that will solve it. The resources we make available to the public are intended to help others stand with us in this fight.
Help Giffords Law Center build a safer America.
Help Giffords Law Center build a safer America.
GUN LAW RESOURCES
LItigation
the courts
Explore our work defending lifesaving gun laws in the courts and fighting to debunk the gun lobby’s dangerous arguments about the Second Amendment.
Gun Safety Laws in the States
In the wake of federal inaction, a number of states have taken up the mantle of gun safety. Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in December 2012, 45 states have enacted more than 350 gun safety laws.
Giffords Law Center helped draft and defend many of these laws, which research has demonstrated make residents safer from gun violence. But this inconsistent patchwork of state gun laws leads to guns being trafficked from states with weak laws to those with strong laws, putting all Americans at risk.
Browse gun laws by state, and filter gun laws by state and policy area.
Giffords Law Center helped draft and defend many of these laws, which research has demonstrated make residents safer from gun violence. But this inconsistent patchwork of state gun laws leads to guns being trafficked from states with weak laws to those with strong laws, putting all Americans at risk.
Browse gun laws by state, and filter gun laws by state and policy area.
GUN LAWS BY POLICY
BACKGROUND CHECKS
CHILD & CONSUMER SAFETY
HARDWARE & AMMUNITION
OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES
WHO CAN HAVE A GUN
MAKE A GIFT
Every day, the experts at Giffords Law Center work tirelessly to craft, enact, and defend the gun safety policies and programs that save lives. A safer America is within reach, but we need your courage and commitment to get there.
GET INVOLVED
If you’re a legislator looking for policy assistance, a law firm interested in standing up to the gun lobby, or a donor seeking more information, we can help.
Request Assistance
We provide assistance to activists and public officials working on policy solutions to save lives from gun violence, and are happy to assess your needs via our request for assistance form.
Learn MorePro Bono Partners
Our pro bono partners generously volunteer their time and legal expertise, helping us fight the gun lobby in court and defend lifesaving gun laws.
Learn MoreHost a CLE
We offer free Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses for law firms and attorneys who wish to learn more about gun laws and Second Amendment jurisprudence.
Learn MoreAnniversary Dinner
Every year, we gather to commemorate the 1993 mass shooting that led to our founding, celebrate our accomplishments over the past year, and look ahead to what’s next.
Learn MoreBoard of Directors
We’re grateful for the courageous, committed leadership of our board of directors, who generously volunteer their time and expertise to help guide us in our mission.
LEARN MOREANNUAL REPORTS
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous donors. Each year we publish a report summarizing the previous year’s financial information.
Learn More
JOIN THE FIGHT
Nearly 40,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence every year. Giffords Law Center is leading the fight to save lives by championing gun safety policies and holding the gun lobby accountable. Will you join us?