Milwaukee faces a troubling rise in gun violence, with homicides up 10% this year, costing taxpayers an estimated $2 million per homicide. This surge in violence is part of a broader national crisis, with the economic impact of gun violence across the U.S. reaching a staggering $557 billion in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
Community initiatives like the 414 Life program aim to treat gun violence as a contagious disease, working to de-escalate tensions and prevent retaliations. A striking statistic reveals that amongst Milwaukee’s 65 homicide victims this year, half are aged 29 or younger, highlighting the immediate and long-term costs of violence not just in emotional terms but also in financial burdens on society.
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