Violence Policy Center

Nick Amen and Osvaldo Silva

The Violence Policy Center (VPC) combats the illegal and unsafe use of firearms and explosives of all types through the conduction of research investigation and analysis of gun related incidents in America.

Firearms are the second leading cause of traumatic death related to a consumer product in the United States and are the second most frequent cause of death overall for Americans ages 15 to 24. Since 1960, more than a million Americans have died in firearm suicides, homicides, and unintentional injuries.

According to a 1994 report, there were 245,628 Type 1 Federal Firearms License (type 1 FFL) holders while there were only 210,000 gas stations. That number has plummeted since then to 54,902 type 1 FFL holders in 2005

According to the Government Accountability Office, between February 3, 2004, and June 30, 2004, a total of 44 firearm-related background checks resulted in valid matches with terrorist watch list records. Even though, 35 transactions were allowed to proceed because the background checks found no prohibiting information, such as felony convictions, illegal immigrant status, or other disqualifying factors. Current law is so weak that being a known member of a foreign terrorist organization does not prohibit a person from legally buying and possessing guns. The VPC is working to change that.

Over a six month period between July and December 2006 there were a recorded 549 drive-by shooting occurrences, killing 156 and injuring another 465.

From January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005, there occurred 264 murder-suicides claiming the lives of 591 people. 92% of these included a firearmPennsylvania was tied with

Texas for most murder-suicides in this time period with 18 incidents

States With Highest Per Capita Gun Death, 2003

Rank

State

Number ofGun

Deaths

Gun Death Rate per 100,000

Rank

State

Number of Gun

Deaths

Gun Death Rate per 100,000

1 Louisiana

847 18.84 6 Nevada

374 16.69

2 Alaska 120 18.50 7 Mississippi

477 16.56

3 Wyoming

89 17.76 8 Montana

145 15.80

4 New Mexico

326 17.39 9 Arizona

849 15.21

5 Alabama

765 17.00 10 Arkansas

413 15.15

Each one of the states with the highest gun death rates hold a “pro-gun” stance on the issue, however, the data shows that guns plain and simply kill.

Assault rifles are defined as a rifle capable of receiving a high capacity magazine that holds anywhere from 10 to over 100 rounds, with a forward grip or shroud to allow holding of the rifle even after heavy fire. Civilian versions of assault rifles are semi-automatic (every pull of the trigger fires a bullet) while military versions are fully automatic (hold trigger down induces continuous fire).

High capacity magazine

Forward shroud

50 Caliber rifles are designed for anti-armor, long range engagement on the battlefield. According to Federal Law anyone over 18, after passing a Brady background check, may purchase a 50 caliber rifle. However, to buy a handgun in a store, the individual must be 21 years old.

.223 AR-15 assault rifle round

.30-06 hunting round50 Caliber rifle round

Regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), however, it is less of a concern.

Although not as big a problem as guns, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) can and have caused problems. These can range from pipe bombs to powder filled, makeshift bombs.