A recent study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, utilizing data from the CDC, has revealed a troubling trend in the United States.
In 2021, a record-high 4,752 children lost their lives due to gun-related injuries, surpassing the figures from 2020 (4,368) and 2019 (3,390). Shockingly, gun violence has become the leading cause of death for children in the country since 2020.
This disheartening report coincides with a special session in Tennessee focused on public safety, prompted by a tragic school shooting in Nashville earlier this year, claiming the lives of three children and three teachers. Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician and gun violence prevention researcher from South Carolina, emphasized the distressing reality that many healthcare professionals now find themselves treating children with gunshot wounds, a scenario she never anticipated when she began her medical career.
The gravity of the situation becomes even more evident when considering that pediatric intensive care units in children's hospitals across the nation consistently admit young patients with firearm-related injuries.
Moreover, the study's breakdown of the statistics is alarming, revealing that approximately 67% of firearm homicides involve Black children, while about 78% of gun-assisted suicides involve white children.
Iman Omer, a Vanderbilt University junior and an advocate against gun violence with Students Demand Action, expressed her distress at these findings, highlighting the devastating yet unfortunately predictable nature of these statistics. Omer, along with other protesters, is currently in Tennessee, demanding stricter gun laws, as the state mourns the loss of 128 children and teens to gun violence each year.
In response, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who personally knew two of the teachers affected by the Nashville school shooting, has urged lawmakers to strengthen red flag laws aimed at preventing individuals deemed threatening from accessing firearms. However, his efforts face resistance from fellow Republicans, who hold the majority in the statehouse.
This statement adds to the ongoing discussion surrounding gun control in the state, as lawmakers grapple with the complex balance between public safety concerns and protecting the constitutional rights of gun owners.
The debate over firearm legislation in Tennessee continues to intensify. The Tennessee Firearms Association issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing apprehension. It appears that while certain Republican legislators have asserted that they won't pass Red Flag laws, there is less consensus when it comes to laws that could potentially affect Second Amendment protected rights in any way.