The dismantling of WISQARS data collection team is the latest move in a systematic effort to bury the scope of gun violence and hinder efforts to curb the epidemic
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 1, 2025 — Today, Brady, the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization, released the following statement regarding the mass layoffs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include the entire team responsible for the Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) that collects, analyzes, and reports critical gun violence data. These cuts are a devastating setback to our nation's ability to track, understand, and respond to the gun violence epidemic. Working in tandem with the Trump Administration’s “guns everywhere” agenda, these cuts are the latest action designed to curb our efforts to tackle gun violence and will undoubtedly increase firearm deaths in communities across the country.
Brady President Kris Brown, said:
“The dismantling of CDC’s injury data collection team is nothing short of a public health catastrophe, and the latest strategic move to consolidate information control under President Trump. CDC’s WISQARS is a crucial tool that informs our understanding of America’s gun violence epidemic. Without it, we’re cast into the dark as to the scope of the number one killer of kids in this country. But this latest assault doesn’t come as a surprise; it tracks completely with the administration’s autocratic tendencies. Stemming the flow of knowledge is a tactic that has been deployed throughout history to control the public, and today’s news is a prime example of history repeating itself.
“As Trump continues to amass a collection of incredibly dangerous and reckless moves that threaten our public safety — yet unsurprisingly fuel gun industry profits — his vision is becoming increasingly clear: A government that has no regard for science or your freedom from violence.
“Brady will not stand for this. We will continue to fight against the backsliding of the progress we’ve made to save lives. This administration may try to keep Americans in the dark about gun violence, but Brady is committed to shining a light on the truth of the epidemic.”
As so many public servants feel the devastating effects of these layoffs, Brady underscores the importance of checking in on loved ones who are experiencing economic hardship and mental health crises, including asking about access to unsecured guns.
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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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