Gun violence in the United States is a significant public health issue driven by factors such as gun laws, mental health, socio-economic conditions, and cultural attitudes toward firearms. It includes homicides, suicides, mass shootings, and accidents, with over 48,000 gun-related deaths reported, averaging 132 deaths per day.
Notably, more than half of these deaths are suicides, and over half of the remaining deaths are homicides involving firearms. The U.S.A. has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in the world, with approximately 393 million guns in civilian hands (more than the U.S.A. population). This widespread gun ownership correlates with high levels of gun violence.
In 2022, there were over 44,000 firearm-related deaths in the U.S.A., a significant increase from previous decades.
U.S.A. experiences frequent mass shootings, defined as incidents where four or more people are shot. These events often grab media attention due to their violence and the number of victims involved. High-profile shootings, such as those at schools (e.g., Sandy Hook, Uvalde) or public spaces (e.g., Las Vegas), have sparked national debates about gun control.
India stands in third position around the globe in gun violence, with around 26,000 deaths a year. India faces a significant issue with gun violence in several states (Manipur, Nagaland, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh) despite having strict firearm laws. Many criminals and ordinary citizens manage to acquire guns through various loopholes.
The reasons for gun ownership range from displaying power and threatening others to self-defence and even committing murders. Surveys indicate that the number of licensed firearms is much lower compared to unlicensed ones.
There are around 3.22 gun homicides per 100,000 people in India every year. Around 90% of them are committed to using illegal guns.
While the government and police have implemented stringent measures to curb gun culture, corruption and political influences have allowed perpetrators to evade justice. Regions like Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh are particularly affected. Additionally, the glorification of guns in the music industry, through songs and videos, has contributed to the problem.
Gun violence in Pakistan is a major issue, driven by factors such as political instability, organized crime, and militant activities. Pakistan is positioned after India by contributing to 1.18% of the world’s deaths by gun violence.
There are around 0.77 homicides per 100,000 people in Pakistan.
Although strict laws govern firearm ownership, illegal firearms are still widely available, especially in conflict-affected regions like Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and parts of Karachi.
The violence is often linked to political rivalries, sectarian conflicts, and territorial disputes, with armed groups using guns to assert dominance and settle conflicts. Criminal gangs and militant organisations also play a key role in the spread of illegal firearms, further destabilizing these areas. As street crime and extortion rise, more civilians are turning to firearms for self-defence.
Despite efforts by authorities to control illegal gun ownership and reduce violence, ongoing issues like corruption, weak enforcement, and easy access to weapons continue to make gun violence a persistent problem in these nations. However, the presence of illegal firearms, coupled with socio-political factors such as regional conflicts, organized crime, and militancy, contributes to ongoing gun violence. Even though the law enforces harsh penalties for illegal firearm possession, the black market remains a significant source of unregistered guns.
Continue Reading: Chapter – 6: Technology and Modern Firearms
