Why More American Children Are Dying by Gunfire

"The number of children and teenagers killed by gunfire has risen sharply during the coronavirus pandemic. Researchers describe the increase as a fatal consequence of rising nationwide homicide rates, untreated traumas of Covid-19 and a surge of pandemic gun-buying that is putting more children into close contact with guns — both as victims and those wielding guns."

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the rate of gun deaths of children 14 and younger rose by roughly 50 percent from the end of 2019 to the end of 2020."

"And it appears the toll grew worse last year. More than 1,500 children and teenagers younger than 18 were killed in homicides and accidental shootings last year, compared with about 1,380 in 2020...Toddlers are discovering guns under piles of clothes and between couch cushions. Teenagers are obtaining untraceable ghost guns made from online kits. Middle school students are carrying handguns for protection."

As we keep saying, the SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE solution researchers, lawmakers and advocates know works to prevent child-involved firearm tragedies is safe storage laws.

That's why Congress should pass Ethan's Law, HR 748 immediately. If you are a constituent of Rep. Golden, please call his office at (202) 225-6306 and urge him to co-sponsor the bill today.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/05/us/american-children-gun-deaths.html