Murder was once an intimate act, requiring cold commitment and a concerted effort. Whether it was the twist of a knife, the thrust of a sword, or the loosing of an arrow, there was little to no disconnect between assailant and victim. As such, murder was far more infrequent than it is today. However, with the current weapons technology readily available to the public, homicide is as easy and disconnected as the pulling of a trigger. Without effort or intimacy, statistics of U.S. weapons crime have soared over the years.   

Handgun Homicide

Though assault rifles have recently come under fire, there’s a different smoking gun when it comes to the highest percentage of weapon crime in America. Handguns are the weapons used for almost 50% of the total weapons crimes in the U.S. They are by far the most used weapons for homicide, accounting for roughly 8,209 deaths in 2020 alone. These staggering statistics are due to the fact that handguns are accessible, relatively inexpensive, and easy to conceal. 

Superpower Problems

It’s been said that more money leads to more problems; while this maxim is tough to prove, statistics indicate that there’s some proof to back the proverb. In a study polling 22 other high-income nations, the U.S. weapons crime homicide rate was roughly 25 times higher than the others. With only half the population of the other nations combined, the U.S. had 82 percent of gun deaths, 90 percent of women killed with guns, 91 percent of children under 14 and 92 percent of young people between ages 15 and 24 killed with guns; guns were also the primary cause of death for children. Gun ownership and firearm regulation are among the chief controversial topics in America.

A Disconcerting Surge In Violence

Despite tragic weapons crime statistics, crime rates in America were on a steady decline until 2020. But a troubling trend is emerging; though property crime continues to diminish, violent crime experienced a sudden surge in 2020, with homicides increasing by nearly 30% – the most significant surge in homicide recorded in American history. Though disconcerting, this uptick in violence is easily traceable to pressurized national social conflicts following extreme isolation and idleness in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, among other contributing factors like extreme political polarization.

Wound Up In Weapons Crime?

Weapons crime statistics in the U.S. are mortifying, but wrongful accusations only add to the injustice. If you’re in danger of becoming another criminal statistic in the tragic reality of U.S. weapons crime, you’re going to need legal help. Mark Catanzaro is proficient in handling even the most complex weapons crime cases; with complete dedication to your defense, Catanzaro Law won’t rest until we’ve given our best. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to justice!