Firearm homicide

Introduction

Homicide rates have risen nationwide in recent years (CDC, 2023). While all countries experience homicide, firearm homicide is of particular concern in the U.S. Firearm homicide includes many types of firearm injury (e.g., intimate partner violence, community violence, mass shootings) but is distinct from unintentional firearm injuries and firearm suicide.

Inequitable social conditions such as unemployment and poverty, childhood and/or traumatic experience, and individual behaviors such as alcohol or substance use impact the likelihood of both perpetrating and experiencing firearm homicide (ESFGV, 2021). Further, firearm homicide disproportionately impacts Black youth and occurs more frequently in locations with high firearm ownership (ESGV, 2021).

Prevention approaches

Firearm homicide can be prevented. Efforts to reduce community violence and intimate partner violence reduce firearm homicide as well. Community Violence Intervention reduces firearm injuries and deaths by addressing the root causes of violence and engaging with affected individuals and communities.

Hospital-based Violence Intervention Programs reduce the risk of retaliation and re-injury by engaging and linking individuals with community-based services and providing long-term case management.

Prevention strategies that reduce household and individual firearm access (such as secure firearm storage, Child Access Prevention Laws, or Extreme Risk Protection Orders) also reduce the risk of being a victim of firearm homicide (CDC, 2022).

The scope of the problem in Colorado

Colorado Homicide Statistics are available from CDPHE’s data dashboard. Homicides account for 19% of all firearm deaths in Colorado. From 2010-2019, the homicide firearm death rate increased by 53%. Approximately 73% of all homicides in Colorado in 2022 were by firearms and 76% of firearm deaths were males aged 15-24 (CDPHE, 2022). 

Denver, El Paso, Arapahoe, Adams, and Jefferson Counties have the highest firearm homicide numbers, but Park, Huerfano, and Las Animas County have the highest firearm homicide death rates per 100,000 people (CDPHE, 2022; EFSGV, 2021).