On a Saturday in America, gunfire erupted with former President Donald Trump in the crosshairs. During an electoral rally, a barrage of bullets were unleashed. One grazed past Trump's ear, narrowly missing him. Photos captured the bleeding ear as Trump's security team neutralized the assailant—a 20-year-old found with an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. This incident once again amplifies concerns over America's deep-seated gun culture.
One in Three Americans Owns a Gun
Data by Pew Research reveals nearly one-third of Americans own guns, exemplifying the deep roots of gun ownership in the U.S. USA Today reports a staggering purchase of nearly 5.5 million firearms in the first four months of 2024. Texas, the state with the second-highest population, leads these statistics. Approximately 9% of all guns sold by April 2024 were in Texas alone.
Safety product review site SafeHomes.org analyzed FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) data to determine which states hold the largest share of recently acquired firearms.
Source: aajtak
Gun Culture Spurs Suicide Rates
A troubling increase in gun-related suicides is reported by the U.S. Surgeon General for 2022, with the death toll climbing to over 48,000—a 16,000 rise since 2010, including a striking rise in youth fatalities due to firearms.
Concern for Loved Ones in America
According to Reuters, firearm violence has become the leading cause of death among children. American adults are troubled by the possibility that they or a loved one might fall victim to gun violence. A 2023 report by KFF.org reveals more than half of American adults stated that they or a family member have been involved in a gun-related incident.
Understanding America's Gun Laws
In response to frequent shootings, the call for stricter gun ownership laws persists, yet a significant faction advocating for gun rights believes that restrictions threaten their safety. The U.S. sets the minimum purchase age for rifles and shotguns at 18 years old and 21 for handguns, as per the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA). Each state has the authority to raise the age limit, but not to lower it.
Who Can't Buy Guns?
In the U.S., fugitives, those deemed a threat to society, or individuals with mental illnesses are prohibited from purchasing firearms. The same applies to drug addicts, including those with convictions related to marijuana use in the past year. Gun sales are also forbidden to those with certain criminal records.
Rules for Sellers
The U.S. has specific regulations for both gun buyers and sellers. To sell firearms commercially, one must be over 21 and hold a Federal Firearms License, which requires mental health certification.
