Gun violence in rural America, particularly in southern Indiana, is on the rise, revealing alarming rates of gun homicides that contradict the belief that such violence is confined to urban areas. A recent study highlights that of the 20 U.S. counties with the highest rates of gun homicides per capita from 2016 to 2020, 13 are rural, indicating that rural gun deaths are escalating at a concerning rate.
Incidents like a recent wedding reception brawl in Salem, Indiana, which ended with a guest shot in the hand, exemplify this troubling trend. With rural counties such as Washington and Scott showing stark gun homicide statistics relative to their populations, local advocates stress the urgent need to address not only gun accessibility but also mental health support in these communities, which are often stigmatized and under-resourced.
Read full story at www.wishtv.com
