Washington, D.C., December 20, 2023 – With data from the Gun Violence Archive (GVA), Brady has conducted a new analysis detailing the rise in unintentional shootings around the holidays. According to the analysis, during the first and 52nd week of the year, when both Christmas and New Year’s are celebrated, there is a significant rise in unintentional shootings across all ages. We are fast approaching these dangerous weeks, and Brady urges Americans to secure their firearms to prevent unintentional or “accidental” shootings.
The analysis, which looked at 2018-2022, found that the greatest spikes in unintentional shootings overlapped winter holidays. These unintentional shootings, known as family fire, often occur in the home and include the unintentional firing of a weapon as well as firearm suicide.
The holidays mark a time when people are more likely to be in or around the home or visiting the homes of others. Kids may be looking for presents, or visiting a home that is not childproofed, and in their curious searching, they may come across unsecured firearms. These recklessly stored weapons increase the chances of an unintentional shooting.
Each day, 8 kids are unintentionally shot or killed and there are 350 unintentional shootings in which a child pulls the trigger every year. Guns are now the number one cause of death for America’s children, and unsecured firearms are largely to blame.
“Kids are curious and while they may be looking around for hidden holiday presents or playing with cousins, are you sure they won’t find a firearm? The holidays should be about gathering with loved ones, but an unintentional shooting can turn a celebration into an irreversible family tragedy in a matter of seconds,” said Brady President Kris Brown. “We all have the power to prevent gun violence by changing the culture of what it means to be a responsible gun owner in our homes and communities. We urge families to take action to ensure all of their household’s firearms are securely stored — locked, unloaded, and separated from ammunition. If you’re visiting relatives or friends, ask them about whether they have an unlocked gun where children play. Asking that one question has the power to save a life.”
According to a study conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), Brady’s End Family Fire program is the only effective nationwide safe firearm storage initiative. Parents, guardians, and others can learn more about how they can prevent unintentional shootings at endfamilyfire.org.
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
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