Gun violence in the U.S. has surged dramatically, with reports indicating a 25% increase in homicides and non-suicide shootings in 2020. Advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety highlights that the combination of the pandemic’s economic strain and a 64% rise in gun sales—totaling 22 million purchases—has exacerbated this crisis, particularly in Black communities that face higher unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to rising gun sales, a troubling statistic reveals that nearly one-third of guns used in crimes had been trafficked across state lines, often from states without universal background checks. Advocacy leaders stress the urgency of implementing nationwide background checks to prevent criminals from exploiting loopholes in gun sales, arguing that strong action is not only necessary for public safety but also enjoys bipartisan support in Congress.
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