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.
STUDY: New Research Links Gun Violence Exposure to Higher Rates of Depression and Suicidal Ideation
“For decades, politicians and gun lobbying organizations have perpetuated the notion that mental health issues drive mass violence. A new study is challenging that narrative, though, showing that, rather than causing acts of violence, exposure to gun violence increased rates of depression among respondents and led to higher use of mental health services.”
Emergency rooms treat a gunshot wound every half-hour
“This was the largest study so far to investigate patterns of firearm injuries related to different times of the day, week, and year…. Hospitals can use these findings to beef up ER staff during periods when more gun violence can be expected, researchers said.”
Trump Administration Cuts:
Internal Trump administration document reveals massive budget cut proposal for federal health agencies
“While some of the agency’s work would be moved into new AHA centers, programs on gun violence, injury prevention, youth violence prevention, drowning, minority health and others would be eliminated entirely.”
'Catastrophic': Orgs warn Trump's new massive health cut plan poses 'existential' threat
“Congress does not have to comply with the budget request and often ignores presidential proposals; however, House Republicans could well decide to take up a similar proposal.”
Major Gun Violence Research Center Threatened by Proposed Cuts
“Governor Phil Murphy’s move to slash a New Jersey research hub comes as the state braces for leaner budgets under the Trump administration.”
Under Trump, Gun Agency Remains Rudderless and Leaderless
“The [ATF], responsible for enforcing gun laws and regulating firearms dealers, enjoyed a brief but consequential revival during the Biden administration…. That ended when President Trump took office. Since then, the A.T.F., a division of the Justice Department, has been ravaged by the departure of key career personnel, the diversion of dozens of agents from core duties to immigration enforcement and from what amounts to a campaign of indifference.”
INTERACTIVE: DOGE Cuts by City, State, and Congressional District
“Find out how the Trump administration’s DOGE cuts to grants and federal real estate are affecting your community.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signs SB25-003 into law at the Colorado State Capitol in Denver on Thursday, April 10, 2025. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
[Colorado] Gov. Jared Polis signs sweeping gun law that adds requirements to buy certain semiautomatic weapons
“The bill’s sponsors said it was intended to prevent future mass shootings and enforce the state’s existing prohibition on high-capacity magazines.”
VIDEO: What can teens do about gun violence?
“According to Dr. Robin Gurwith… hearing stories about how teens have been affected by lockdowns and gun violence can help us honor victims and lead to action steps.”
INTERVIEW: A History of Violence
“University of Chicago Professor Jens Ludwig, 56, cofounder and director of the school’s Crime Lab, delivers some hope in his groundbreaking new book, Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence. Based on a wealth of scientific data on decision making by violent criminals and his own fieldwork in Chicago, he offers social policy strategies for transforming neighborhoods into safer spaces.”
After a Mass Shooting Shattered Their Peace, Survivors Find Trauma — and Closure — in Court
“A three-year quest for justice has given survivors of the Highland Park shooting a deeper understanding of the judicial process and how hard it can be on grieving families.”
Gun and gangs: Sweden's gun crime crisis
“Gun violence in Sweden has surged dramatically over the past three decades, largely fuelled by gang culture in marginalised communities, many of which are home to immigrants. Critics argue that government policies have contributed to the isolation of minority groups, with rising inequality and poverty serving as underlying catalysts for this violence.”
