Overall firearm deaths in the U.S. fell 5% in 2024, driven largely by a sharp drop in homicides — but the good news comes with a troubling caveat. Firearm suicides reached a record high for the fourth consecutive year, now accounting for nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths. Experts say rising gun ownership and unsafe storage practices are key drivers, and are calling on clinicians to step up lethal means counseling.
Overall firearm deaths in the U.S. declined 5% in 2024, according to a new Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions report — but the headline figure masks a deeply troubling trend. While homicides dropped sharply, firearm suicides hit a record high for the fourth straight year, now making up nearly two-thirds of all gun deaths. Experts warn that total gun deaths remain well above pre-pandemic levels.
The 15.8% drop in firearm homicides is being credited to evidence-based prevention investments, but disparities persist. Firearm homicide rates among Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Hispanic/Latino women rose dramatically over the past decade. Gun violence also remained the leading cause of death for children and teens aged 1–17 for the fifth consecutive year.
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Why it matters: Clinicians are on the front lines of this crisis. Experts are urging all providers to ask patients about firearm access, promote safe storage, and offer lethal means counseling — especially for at-risk individuals — as a practical, evidence-based way to reduce suicide deaths.
