Official legislative records from the U.S. Congress

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy Declares Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis, 54% of Adults Affected

Jun 25, 2024, 05:11 PM

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has declared gun violence a public health crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the epidemic. The advisory highlights that firearm-related injuries have become the leading cause of death for children and adolescents (ages 1-19) in the United States since 2020, surpassing motor vehicle crashes, cancer, and drug overdoses. Dr. Murthy's 40-page advisory calls for a multipronged approach, including a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, universal background checks, and increased funding for research. The declaration aims to shift the issue from the realm of politics to public health, with a focus on evidence-based solutions to reduce gun deaths and injuries. The advisory also underscores the collective trauma and fear caused by gun violence, which affects the well-being of communities across the nation. The announcement has sparked a range of reactions, with some praising the move as a necessary step toward comprehensive gun reform, while others criticize it as an overreach of authority. Notably, 54% of adults report experiencing a firearm-related incident, and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is highlighted as a step towards addressing this public health emergency.