Fact check: How many deaths by firearms were there in 2024

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available analyses, 16,576 firearm deaths occurred in 2024, excluding suicides ^[1]. This figure represents a 12% decrease from 2023 ^[1]. However, this number only accounts for homicides and other non-suicide firearm deaths.

For comparison, 46,728 people died from gun-related injuries in 2023 according to the CDC, which included both murders and suicides ^[2]. The 2024 data appears to be incomplete as it specifically excludes suicide deaths, which historically represent a significant portion of total firearm fatalities.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The question asks for total firearm deaths in 2024, but the available data excludes suicide deaths, which typically constitute the majority of firearm fatalities in the United States. The 2023 figure of 46,728 total gun deaths ^[2] provides important context showing that when suicides are included, the numbers are substantially higher.

Gun violence prevention organizations would benefit from emphasizing the complete picture including suicides to demonstrate the full scope of firearm mortality. Conversely, gun rights advocates might prefer focusing on the 16,576 figure as it shows a decrease and excludes suicides, which could be framed as mental health issues rather than gun violence.

The analyses also reference unintentional firearm mortality data from 2001-2021 ^[3], suggesting there are additional categories of firearm deaths beyond homicides and suicides that may not be captured in the 2024 figure.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself is not misleading, but the available answer of 16,576 deaths could be misleading if presented without clarification that it excludes suicides ^[1]. This represents a significant omission since suicide deaths typically account for approximately 60% of all firearm deaths in the United States.

The 12% decrease narrative ^[1] could be used selectively by various stakeholders - gun rights groups might emphasize this positive trend, while gun control advocates might argue that any firearm deaths are too many. Without the complete 2024 data including suicides, it's impossible to determine if the overall firearm mortality rate actually decreased or if only the homicide component declined.