The rate at which Americans were killed in gun homicides leapt by nearly 35% in 2020 to the highest level in more than 25 years, according to new research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Amid the pandemic and recession that followed, gun homicide rates grew most among groups that were already at higher risk, researchers found — including people in poor areas, young men, and Black people.
In 2020, the firearm homicide rate was 6.1 per 100,000 Americans — up from 4.6 a year earlier.
“These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive approaches that can stop violence now and prevent future deaths,” said Dr. Debra Houry, the acting principal deputy director of the CDC.
The rate of U.S. gun homicides jumped almost 35% in 2020 — to the highest level in over 25 years.
And gaps widened for groups already at the highest risk, especially Black men and boys. https://t.co/mkX4LJeMXf
— NPR (@NPR) May 10, 2022