Friday Finds
Our weekly roundup of the latest gun violence prevention news
On Fridays here at Armed With Reason, we highlight articles and videos from the gun violence prevention realm that might’ve been missed during your busy week.
Different Types of Gun Violence Contribute to Bloodshed on Independence Day
“In 2024, Fourth of July gun violence plummeted to a five-year low…. And as The Trace’s Jennifer Mascia noted, it also appears that there were fewer instances of bystanders being injured or killed by celebratory gunfire….”
School Shootings Are Finally Decreasing But Many Improvements Are Still Needed
“The statistics do include incidents that happen on campus or outside of school hours, with the understanding that all firearm incidents on school campuses are a risk.”
Stronger Gun Laws Linked to Fewer Firearm Suicides; Socioeconomic Factors Play Role in Reducing Violence, Northwell Health Research Finds
“A new study… reveals that stronger gun laws are significantly correlated with reduced firearm suicides, but socioeconomic factors play a more substantial role in firearm homicides.”
Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center lit in orange to raise awareness for gun violence prevention. (Credit: Northwell Health)
VIDEO: How DOGE could amplify America's gun violence problem
“DOGE has sent staff to the ATF ‘with the goal of revising or eliminating dozens of rules and gun restrictions,’ and its ‘initial goal is to change as many as 47 regulations,’ in an apparent reference to Trump’s standing as the 47th American president. However flimsy the motivation, the result is the same: an America with even fewer responsible gun regulations.”
Nationwide Coalition Files Emergency Appeal to Preserve Millions in Funding for Local Programs that Save Lives and Make Communities Safer
“In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs suddenly and unlawfully canceled hundreds of community violence intervention, victim services, youth and criminal justice grants to nonprofit community organizations and local governments…. The terminated grant awards provided federal support for evidence-based programs that save lives, reduce violence, and protect crime victims.”
Brady Files Lawsuit Against Gun Dealer Range USA for Negligently and Unlawfully Allowing Overt Straw Purchases of Deadly Weapons Used in Violent Attacks
“Prior to 2023, the Range USA stores had received multiple warnings from law enforcement, including through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF’s) Demand 2 program, that firearms they sold were being used in crime.”
Researchers Track the Willingness of Gun Owners to Temporarily Store Guns Outside Their Homes
“Their study reveals that firearm owners prioritize the safety of household members over their own self-protection when deciding whether to temporarily store their firearms outside the home. At the same time, many remain concerned about leaving the home defenseless.”
The online gunseller with Donald Trump Jr. on its board makes its market debut. Shares plunge
“Special acquisition companies, sometimes called “blank check” companies, can give startups quicker and easier routes to getting their shares trading publicly, while avoiding the traditional scrutiny that comes with a more standard IPO.”
WEBINAR: Firearm Purchaser Licensing: Evidence, Impact, and the Path Forward
“Research consistently shows Firearm Purchaser Licensing is one of the most effective policies to reduce gun violence…. The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions hosted a webinar to share insights from researchers, advocates and lawmakers. Expert panelists included U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin… Dylan O’Connor with the Alliance for Gun Responsibility… and Cass Crifasi, PhD, of the Center.”
Why Does the Right Falsely Blame Trans People for Mass Shootings?
“Over the past decade, the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive has recorded more than 5,300 mass shootings…. Only four of those — less than one-tenth of 1 percent — were committed by people known to identify as trans or nonbinary…. The targeting of trans people stems from a calculated, strategic attack by the right wing, the result of research led by conservative organizations looking to reenergize donors and support after the legalization of same-sex marriage….”