On Third Annual Firearm Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, Brady Stresses Importance of Safe Firearm Storage

Firearms remain the most common method of suicide in the United States and secure storage is a proven method of saving lives.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 10, 2024 — Today, Brady, the nation’s leading gun violence prevention group, recognizes Firearm Suicide Prevention Day and calls for increased attention to addressing and understanding firearm suicide as the leading cause of gun deaths in America. Established by Brady and End Family Fire in 2022, Firearm Suicide Prevention Day falls during National Suicide Prevention Month and is observed annually on the second Tuesday of September. It was established to draw attention to America's gun suicide crisis and the robust evidence on the role safe firearm storage plays in preventing these tragedies.

According to a recent analysis by Brady, firearm suicides are on the rise, with youth suicides increasing by 57% over the past decade. This increase is even larger among Black youth, who have experienced a 183% increase in firearm suicide. While older white men continue to account for the largest share of firearm suicide deaths, the population of firearm suicide deaths is quickly diversifying. This change comes at a time when the population of new gun owners is also diversifying, with data showing that among individuals who bought their first firearm between 2019-2021, 47% were female, 20% were Black, and 20% were Hispanic. Unfortunately, only 54% of these new gun owners report storing all firearms in the home locked and unloaded, according to recent polling on behalf of Brady and Ad Council's End Family Fire program, which recently launched a new safe firearm storage campaign targeted at new gun owners.

Simply storing a firearm securely is a proven method of preventing suicide. In 75% of youth firearm suicides in which the gun storage method was identified, the gun was stored loaded and unlocked. Because suicide attempts with a firearm are uniquely fatal and result in death about 90% of the time, the safe storage of firearms is a crucial suicide prevention method.

Kris Brown, President of Brady, said:

"America’s deadliest shootings are the ones we don’t talk enough about: the over half of all gun deaths in America that are suicides. We lose 74 people to gun suicide every day in America — more than are lost to firearm homicides and unintentional shootings combined. To prevent gun suicide, we need to talk about it. By promoting responsible gun ownership and secure storage practices, we can prevent family fire and save lives."

Colleen Creighton, Senior Director of Brady's End Family Fire Program, added:

"Firearm Suicide Prevention Day reminds us of the urgent need to encourage gun owners to practice secure firearm storage in order to reduce the risk of gun suicide. Our End Family Fire initiative has proven highly effective in positively changing gun owners’ perception, awareness, and gun storage practices. With the recent influx of first-time gun owners, this work is more critical than ever. Today, we renew our commitment to this vital work and call on all Americans to join us in creating safer homes and communities."

According to a tracking study, respondents who are aware of End Family Fire are three times more likely to seek information on secure gun storage compared to those unaware. For more information about End Family Fire, safe gun storage practices, and Brady's initiatives to prevent firearm suicides, visit EndFamilyFire.org and bradyunited.org.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to reach the free and confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.