Firearms are the second leading cause of injury-deaths in the country and the eighth leading cause of death overall. Homicides with firearms took the lives of 11,798 Americans. Unintentional firearm deaths took the lives of 866 Americans. While most of the public debate about firearms focuses on homicides, the data demonstrate that more firearm related deaths are a result of suicide. This substantial component of the problem is plainly a medical and public health issue and clearly requires more attention - not just because of the size of the problem but also because of its demographic breakdown.
Suicidal behavior is complex and has multiple causes.
No single change in law or medical practice procedures will solve the problem. And there are certainly ways to commit suicide with a device other than a firearm. But evidence indicates that suicide attempts using firearms are much more likely to result in death than attempts using other modalities. Similarly, homicide is also a multi-causal problem. Clearly, changes in policy and law can save lives and can prevent injuries.