Child deaths by gun violence soared in the United States during the Covid-19 epidemic, as firearm sales skyrocketed and lawmakers overcame a decades-long stalemate to pass some of the most significant federal legislation.
There were empty shoes on the lawn outside the US Capitol.
According to the peer reviewed analysis of data from the Gun Violence Archive, more children were killed by guns than would have been expected given past trends.
The researchers found that there were more than eight thousand shootings between March 16, 2020 and December 31, 2021.
The researchers said that the increases were concentrated among children ages 12 to 17 and in low-income areas or areas with high percentages of Black or Hispanic populations.
According to the researchers, the increase in gun-related deaths was comparable to the deaths from Covid-19.
The researchers said that the findings show the importance of considering both direct and indirect consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic.
There was a rise in gun deaths among children. The study couldn't determine the exact cause of the increase. They noted that the psychological and economic strain due to the Pandemic could be a possible driver.
In 2020, firearms are expected to overtake motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the US. There have been sharp increases in firearm-related deaths in the last few years.
There have been some of the deadliest years on record for gun violence in the US. While mass shootings have captured public attention and galvanized lawmakers to pass some of the most significant federal gun legislation in decades, data suggests a large proportion of these deaths are driven by smaller but more tragic events at home and in the streets. The majority of deaths are suicides and homicides caused by guns. According to some estimates, the US has one of the highest rates of firearm ownership in the world. Sales spiked and reached record levels during the Pandemic.
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