U.S. Gun Deaths Decline, but Firearm Suicides Reach Record High

CDC data shows fewer homicides in 2024, even as suicide deaths involving firearms climbed to an all-time high

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Gun-related deaths in the United States declined in 2024, driven by a sharp drop in homicides, but firearm suicides rose to their highest level on record, according to the latest federal data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that firearms were involved in 44,447 deaths in 2024 — roughly one death every 12 minutes. That marked a 5% decline from 2023.

The decrease was largely attributed to a 15.8% drop in firearm homicides, which accounted for 15,364 deaths. Gun-related killings have steadily declined since reaching a COVID-era peak in 2021, though overall firearm deaths remain above pre-pandemic levels.

At the same time, firearm suicides rose to a record 27,593 deaths, accounting for the majority of gun-related fatalities.

Young Americans remained especially vulnerable. Firearms were the leading cause of death among people under age 18 for the fifth consecutive year, with 2,214 children and teenagers dying in gun-related incidents in 2024.

The report also found that 86% of firearm deaths involved males, while several groups of women experienced substantial increases in both homicide and suicide rates over the past decade.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions called for expanded community intervention programs, stronger domestic violence protections, mental health support and additional firearm purchasing restrictions.

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