U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared gun violence a public health crisis, citing the urgent need to address the rising number of firearm-related injuries and deaths.
Key statistics highlight the severity:
– In 2021, the U.S. recorded 48,830 gun-related deaths, the highest ever, per the CDC.
– In 2024 alone, over 21,000 gun deaths have already been reported, with more than 300 mass shootings.
Dr. Murthy’s proposed measures include banning automatic rifles, implementing universal background checks, regulating the gun industry, restricting firearm use in public spaces, and enforcing safe storage laws.
The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention is also pushing for hospital-based violence intervention programs and safe gun storage counseling as part of a public health approach to curb gun violence.