Unintentional Shootings Spike Over Summer, Especially Around July 4th. Here's What You Need to Know to Keep Your Home and Family Safe from Firearm-Related Injuries

A new analysis by Brady finds that the weeks around Fourth of July have the highest rates of unintentional shootings among children

WASHINGTON, DC, June 26, 2026 — A new  analysis by Brady has identified a persistent pattern in unintentional shootings: they spike during the summer months and major holidays. The week around July 4th sees the second highest number of unintentional shootings of the entire year, with an average of about 50 unintentional shootings during just the seven-day period between June 29 and July 5.

Around major holidays and during the summer months, children are more likely to encounter unsecured firearms while out of school and with less supervision, including while at home and visiting the homes of friends and family. Almost half of all gun owners don’t store their guns securely, and nearly 7 million children live in homes with unlocked and loaded firearms, contributing to guns as the leading cause of death for children and teens. While unintentional shootings overall have declined since 2022, with 2025 having the lowest number in the past decade, this spike during the summer months and holidays continues to threaten families and communities across the country. 

“Each day, eight kids are unintentionally shot or killed. As we head deeper into the summer months, these numbers increase. Parents can prevent irreversible tragedies by locking up all firearms and by asking if guns are stored securely when they visit friends' homes or schedule playdates,” Brady President Kris Brown said. “It's as straightforward as asking about a food allergy.”

Brady reiterates the importance of secure firearm storage – locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition – to significantly decrease the possibility of unintentional shootings. Research shows that if just 20% of households with firearms locked up their firearms during the holidays and all year-round, we could prevent one-third of annual youth gun suicides and unintentional shooting deaths. Brady also launched a $1 million public service announcement (PSA) campaign in New York to promote secure firearm storage, a partnership with the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Ad Council. 

“Parents routinely think about sunscreen, bike helmets, and pool safety during the summer months. Safe firearm storage should be on that summer safety checklist,” said Brown. “Let’s celebrate summer the right way: by making sure every kid has the freedom to play without the fear of unsecured firearms or gun violence.”