(News Nation) — Americans bought an average of 1.3 million guns each month in the first quarter of 2024, according to FBI data. Nationwide Instant Criminal Background Check System It was recorded.
The total number of guns purchased from January to April 2024 will be about 5.5 million, slightly lower than the same period in 2023.
Firearm purchases are down
The report coincides with a trend of declining gun purchases, with total sales expected to fall 4% from 2022 to 16.7 million in 2023 and likely to fall further in 2024.
Firearms sales peaked in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, growing political unrest and a divisive presidential election.
Sales have been down so far this year, but the looming presidential election is helping to boost sales. Analysis of SafeHome.
“For example, President Biden’s plans to restrict gun access by strengthening background check procedures and banning assault weapons could lead to increased demand for guns as buyers anticipate such laws if he wins a second term,” the data states.
Gun sales by state
The states with the highest gun sales are Texas, Florida and California, which together account for 22% of purchases so far this year.
Last year, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska led the nation in gun purchases per capita, with Montana selling 1,586 guns for every 10,000 residents over the age of 21.
The only states to see increases in gun sales from 2022 to 2023 were North Carolina, Illinois, New Hampshire and Florida. Interestingly, Illinois tightened its gun laws from 2022 to 2023, but still saw purchases increase by about 5% year-over-year.
In contrast, Washington DC, Delaware, New York and Louisiana saw the largest year-over-year sales declines, with DC leading the way with a staggering 32% decline.
Much of this decline is due to stricter background checks and tougher gun ownership laws.
Gun violence in America
The data was released after US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy declared: Gun violence is a public health crisisIt is the first time that someone in his position has issued a public health advisory on gun violence.
The move has sparked highly partisan reactions, with more conservative lawmakers speaking out against the nation’s top doctor.
“Today, the Mercy Surgeon General abused his power and attempted to target the Second Amendment,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, a Republican from North Carolina. stated on social platform X“This is another attack by the Biden Administration on your constitutional right to bear arms, and we will not tolerate it.”
In response, Murthy said he wanted to raise awareness about the growing problem of gun violence in the United States.
