Gun Murders and Weapon Choice in the United States

Rifles, including 'assault weapons,' accounted for only four percent of U.S. gun murders in 2023, according to PEW Research. Handguns were used in 53 percent of gun murders. FBI data shows more people were killed with knives than rifles in recent years. Despite this, Democrats are pushing for gun bans.

Gun Control and Active Shooter Incidents in California

California led the nation in active shooter incidents in 2023 despite having some of the toughest gun control laws in the country. Governor Gavin Newsom has been criticized for lauding gun control in California while incidents continue to occur.

Rising Assaults on U.S. Law Enforcement Officers

The rate of assaults on U.S. law enforcement officers reached a 10-year high last year, with 79,000 attacks on officers recorded. Sixty officers nationwide were killed last year, and more officers were killed between 2021 and 2023 than in any other three-year period to date. The number of officers assaulted and injured by guns is climbing.

Efforts to Reduce Violent Crime in the U.S.

The Justice Department is ramping up efforts to reduce violent crime in the U.S. by launching a specialized gun intelligence center in Chicago and expanding task forces to curb carjackings. President Biden's administration is addressing violent crime, an issue highlighted in his reelection campaign. Gun rights groups are expected to challenge new rules requiring background checks at gun shows. The FBI reported a decrease in murders and violent crime in the last quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year.