For Immediate Release
October 1, 2024
Media Contact
Contact: Ashley D. Roseboro
Phone: (202) 524-1663
Email: aroseboro@roseborofoundation.com
Comparative Analysis of Gun Laws Nationally and in Alabama
Executive Summary
This memo incorporates recent findings from 2023 and 2024 on gun violence and its relationship with firearm laws in the U.S., particularly in Alabama. While national gun violence trends show a slight decrease in overall firearm deaths, there is an alarming rise in gun suicides. The correlation between permissive gun laws and higher rates of firearm-related deaths is clear, as seen in states like Alabama, which continue to have high levels of gun violence compared to those with stricter regulations. New research offers insights into the effectiveness of policies like universal background checks, red flag laws, and safe storage practices, which can potentially mitigate Alabama’s gun violence problem.
National Gun Laws and 2023-2024 Trends
Federal Gun Laws: Foundation for State Regulations
The Gun Control Act of 1968 and Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act set minimum national standards, but states retain the power to expand or restrict these laws. States with stringent gun laws, such as California and New York, consistently report lower firearm-related deaths, while states like Alabama with more permissive regulations see higher gun-related fatalities.
Recent Findings on Gun Violence
- Overall Gun Deaths Decrease: According to 2023 provisional data from the CDC, 46,728 gun deaths occurred, marking a slight 3% reduction from the previous year. This shows some progress but still reflects one of the highest totals recorded in U.S. history (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2024).
- Record-High Gun Suicides: Suicides now make up the majority of gun deaths, with 27,300 suicides by firearm in 2023, a 1.5% increase from 2022 (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2024). Research shows that access to a firearm triples the likelihood of suicide, and efforts like safe storage laws and red flag laws could prevent many of these deaths (Harvard School of Public Health, 2024).
- Racial and Youth Disparities: Gun homicides dropped 8.6% in 2023, yet Black Americans remain disproportionately affected, with a homicide rate 13 times higher than that of white Americans. Gun violence continues to be the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1-17, with 2,566 deaths in 2023 (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2023).
- Ineffectiveness of More Guns Equals Less Violence: A 2024 study from Harvard and other leading institutions found that areas with higher gun ownership, such as Wyoming and Montana, also report the highest suicide rates. This contradicts the argument that more guns lead to safer communities (Poynter, 2024).
Alabama’s Gun Laws: A Critical Examination
Key Provisions in Alabama’s Gun Legislation
Alabama's gun laws allow open carry without a permit and have permitless concealed carry as of January 2023. The state does not require background checks on private sales or implement red flag laws, which would enable the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous.
Recent Gun Violence Data in Alabama (2023-2024)
- Gun Ownership and Death Rates: Alabama consistently ranks among the highest in gun ownership, with 55% of adults owning firearms. As of 2022, Alabama had 23.6 gun deaths per 100,000 residents, far above the national average of 14.6 (CDC, 2023).
- Racial Disparities: Black Alabamians continue to face disproportionate risks, as firearm homicide rates are much higher for Black individuals compared to white residents. Despite a national decrease in gun homicides, Black communities in Alabama and elsewhere remain significantly affected (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2024).
- Gun Suicides in Rural Areas: Consistent with national trends, rural counties in Alabama experience high rates of gun suicides, which are exacerbated by the lack of secure firearm storage laws (Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2024).
Policy Implications from Recent Research
- Universal Background Checks: States with universal background checks show 15-25% lower firearm homicide rates compared to states like Alabama that do not require background checks for private sales (RAND Corporation, 2023).
- Red Flag Laws: Evidence shows that states with Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) experience reductions in both suicides and mass shootings. Alabama's lack of ERPO laws leaves residents vulnerable to gun-related deaths that could be prevented through temporary firearm removal for at-risk individuals (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2024).
- Safe Storage Laws: States with Child Access Prevention (CAP) laws see fewer accidental gun deaths among children and teenagers. These laws hold gun owners accountable if a child gains access to an unsecured firearm and would likely reduce unintentional shootings in Alabama (Poynter, 2024).
- Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Programs: Studies show that well-funded CVI programs can significantly reduce gun homicides in urban areas. Alabama should consider investing in these programs to address systemic violence in its cities (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2023).
Conclusion and Updated Policy Recommendations
The recent data from 2023 and 2024 underscore the relationship between lax gun laws and elevated firearm-related deaths. Alabama’s permissive stance on gun regulation, including the lack of universal background checks and ERPOs, correlates with higher gun violence rates. Based on grounded research, the following policies could help reduce Alabama’s gun deaths:
- Implement Universal Background Checks: Close the loophole on private sales by requiring background checks for all firearm transactions.
- Adopt Red Flag Laws: Enable law enforcement and family members to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
- Promote Safe Storage: Enact Child Access Prevention laws to ensure that firearms are securely stored, reducing accidental shootings.
- Invest in CVI Programs: Support community-based violence intervention strategies to curb gun violence in urban areas.
References
American Public Health Association. (2021). Permitless carry laws and increases in violent crime. Retrieved from https://www.apha.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Provisional firearm mortality data. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov
Center for Gun Violence Solutions. (2024). Annual firearm violence data. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Retrieved from https://publichealth.jhu.edu
Harvard School of Public Health. (2024). Firearm access and suicide. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
Poynter Institute. (2024). Fact check: More gun ownership does not lead to less gun violence. Retrieved from https://www.poynter.org
RAND Corporation. (2023). Gun policy in America: The effects of universal background checks. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org
