U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis on Tuesday, urging the nation to tackle the issue with as much determination as it has historically applied to reducing tobacco and motor vehicle-related deaths. The advisory, a first of its kind on firearm-related deaths, stresses the profound physical and mental impact of gun violence on American communities.
The 39-page report reveals a troubling surge in gun-related fatalities, with deaths reaching a three-decade peak in 2021, primarily driven by homicides and suicides. In 2022, over half of all gun deaths stemmed from suicides, while 40 percent were homicides. Murthy highlighted the escalating issue of mass shootings since 2020 as a major factor prompting this advisory.
This rising tide of gun violence has made firearm-related injuries the foremost cause of death among children and adolescents aged 1 to 19, surpassing fatalities due to vehicular accidents, cancer, and heart disease. This statistic starkly contrasts with other high-income countries, where the U.S. exhibits a firearm-related death rate markedly higher than its peers.
The report advocates for preventive measures such as increasing the distance between firearms and individuals at risk, implementing universal background checks, and banning civilian use of assault weapons. Despite such recommendations, the advisory notes that legislative efforts are frequently obstructed, resulting in lax enforcement and the persistence of mass shootings.
Murthy’s declaration, following his recent advisory on the risks of social media, adds to a growing chorus of calls for a robust public health approach to gun violence. This includes enhanced funding for research and community-based interventions aimed at preventing violent incidents. The advisory underscores the urgency of addressing gun violence not merely as a legal issue but as a critical health crisis, necessitating collective action and sustained commitment.