Friday Finds
Our weekly roundup of the latest gun violence prevention news
On Fridays here at Armed With Reason, we highlight articles from the gun violence prevention realm that might’ve been missed during your busy week.
New Gun Violence Data:
Frequent Exposure to Gun Violence Is Associated with Depression, Suicide and Mental Health
“Their findings reveal that both single instances and repeated exposure to various forms of gun violence significantly harm mental well-being.”
What Generation Is Most Affected by Gun Violence?
“Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that one age group is bearing a disproportionate share of our national gun violence crisis.”
Firearm violence creates an impact on dental health
“Their study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for dental care utilization and complete loss of teeth and data from the American Violence Project for firearm violence incidents.”
Trump Administration Cuts to CDC, HHS, more:
CDC Teams That Study Gun Violence and Collect Data Are Decimated by Layoffs
“By eliminating the programmatic staff, you’ve eliminated CDC’s ability to take knowledge, apply it, and help communities use it to make a difference….”
Trump gutted key research programs studying violence. Experts say it will come at a heavy cost
“Advocates say cuts to federal programs will ultimately lead to an increase in gun violence and domestic attacks.”
HHS guts sexual violence prevention division, leaving local efforts adrift
“Congress mandated the work these agencies do, which includes supporting state and local programs on sexual assault around the country. Those laws, including the Violence Against Women Act, have had bipartisan support.” (Listen below.)
Domestic Violence Services Are in Jeopardy, Providers Say
“Domestic violence groups, already stretched thin, warn that looming cuts to federal grants, coupled with a dwindling federal workforce, are likely to gut resources for survivors seeking to escape abusers.”
Trump's Vision for US Now Includes Allowing Gun Sellers to Skip Background Checks
“This administration is systematically dismantling the safeguards designed to keep weapons out of dangerous hands.”
Kash Patel was removed as acting ATF director, US officials confirm
“Patel was sworn in as acting ATF leader on February 24, three days after he was sworn in as FBI director, a role he continues to hold. It was unusual for one person to be tapped to lead two major Justice Department units at the same time.”
FBI Director Kash Patel replaced as acting ATF boss, Army Secretary steps in
“U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has replaced FBI Director Kash Patel as the acting director of the [ATF]…. And while he held leadership roles in investment banking, private equity, and business operations, Driscoll's bio lists no federal law enforcement experience. As head of the ATF, Driscoll will oversee an agency with broad powers to enforce laws and regulations dealing with guns, explosives and tobacco products.”
Republican Senator Said He Was Joking When He Suggested Gun Violence Between Journalists and Lawmakers
“Mullin’s latest remarks come as verbal attacks against journalists grow more common.”
VIDEO: 'Agree to Agree' campaign downplays divisiveness, promotes conversations to end gun violence
“The campaign by the Ad Council is all about conversations. It loops in parents and medical professionals, like trauma surgeons, who share what it's like to treat children who wind up on their operating tables with gunshot wounds.”
VIDEO: Trauma surgeons discuss the impact of gun violence on children and teens
“The Digital Desk spoke with Surgeon, Dr. Shay O’Mara, about issue of gun violence and how the trauma affects children and teens.”
Gun violence survivor shares his story to empower others
“As gun violence continues to be an issue across the United States, one organization is supporting gun violence survivors and victims.”
Addressing Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis
“Greg Jackson and Rob Wilcox, [former] Deputy Directors of The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention sit down with Bloomberg News Healthcare Reporter Riley Griffin… at the 2024 Bloomberg American Health Summit.”
VIDEO: Here's how you could be compensated as a survivor of gun violence, violent crime
“It’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, and a group of local and national gun violence advocates are calling for barriers to be removed to improve access to resources for those who have been affected by gun violence….”
Related: 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Resource Guide
The White Lotus’ Carrie Coon Drew on US Gun Violence Fears for Finale Sprint
“Some polite Thai workers were kind of scampering through in the background. I was like, ‘No, no, you need to have some Americans sprinting and hitting the deck and jumping in the lagoon.’ The Americans are not playing. They know what this means!”
