The Violence Policy Center (VPC) has released a startling report indicating that in 2023 alone, more than 5,700 Hispanics lost their lives to gun violence in the United States. This figure includes 3,284 gun homicides and 2,198 gun suicides, painting a grim picture of the lethal impact firearms have on the Hispanic community. Over a 22-year span from 2002 to 2023, the total number of Hispanic gun deaths exceeds 83,000, with gun homicides accounting for the majority of these tragic losses.
The study not only sheds light on the devastating toll of gun violence but also exposes the firearms industry's deliberate targeting of Hispanics as a new market for gun sales. This strategy, aimed at compensating for the saturation of the traditional white male market, raises concerns about the potential for increased gun-related deaths and injuries within the Hispanic community. The VPC's findings are based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive data collection on ethnic origin to fully understand and address this issue.
Key findings from the study reveal that 77 percent of Hispanic homicide victims in 2023 were killed with firearms, a significant increase from 69 percent in 2002. Handguns were involved in 53 percent of these homicides. Additionally, the study notes a doubling of the female Hispanic firearm suicide rate from 2002 to 2023, underscoring the growing vulnerability of Hispanic women to gun violence.
The VPC's report calls for immediate action, including improved data collection on ethnic origin, enhanced violence reduction programs, and greater awareness of the firearms industry's marketing tactics. The full report, available in both English and Spanish, serves as a critical resource for policymakers, advocates, and communities striving to combat gun violence and its disproportionate impact on Hispanics in the U.S.
