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Firearms Account for Majority of Veteran Suicide Deaths, Report Finds
Firearms were involved in nearly three-quarters of veteran suicide deaths in 2023, and veterans die by suicide at about 18 a day, the analysis found.
On Friday, Everytown for Gun Safety released an analysis of federal data showing firearms were involved in roughly 75% of veteran suicide deaths in 2023.
Researchers noted firearm ownership rates are significantly higher among veterans, with about half reporting access compared with roughly 20% of nonveteran adults.
Data indicates approximately 18 veterans die by suicide each day, with about 13 of those deaths involving firearms, according to the report.
Veterans ages 18 to 34 now face the highest suicide rates, while firearm suicide rates among women veterans—who make up about 11% of the population—have increased rapidly.
Other risk factors such as mental health conditions and chronic pain contribute to suicide risk, though Chris Marvin, veteran lead at Everytown for Gun Safety, asserts "easy access to firearms is the primary cause of veterans' high suicide mortality rates.