Record Gun Deaths Reported

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Tennessee recorded its highest number of firearm deaths in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

The total includes deaths from both homicides and suicides, with firearms now among the leading causes of death for children and teenagers in the state. 

In 2023, there were 96 youth fatalities involving guns, and overall firearm deaths reached 1,587, surpassing previous records.

While urban areas often report higher numbers of shootings due to larger populations, data shows that rural counties are also experiencing elevated firearm fatality rates. 

In some rural areas, the rate of gun deaths per capita exceeds the national average, demonstrating that firearm violence is not limited to cities but is a statewide concern.

Public health experts emphasize that tracking these trends is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. 

Understanding where and how firearm deaths occur,  whether in homes, rural communities, or urban centers, helps guide interventions such as mental health support, safe storage campaigns, and community-based violence prevention programs. 

These measures aim to reduce fatalities and injuries without attributing the issue to any single population or location.