Over 5,700 Hispanics Killed by Guns in the U.S. in 2023, Highlighting Industry's Targeted Marketing
A Violence Policy Center study reveals more than 5,700 Hispanics died by gunfire in the U.S. in 2023, underscoring the firearms industry's aggressive marketing towards Hispanic communities and the urgent need for improved data collection and violence prevention strategies.
The Violence Policy Center (VPC) has released a study showing that more than 5,700 Hispanics died by gunfire in the United States in 2023, with gun homicides accounting for 57 percent of these deaths. The study, titled Hispanic Victims of Lethal Firearms Violence in the United States, highlights a 22-year period from 2002 to 2023 during which over 83,000 Hispanics were killed with guns, predominantly in homicides and suicides.
Key findings indicate a steady increase in firearm-related homicides among Hispanics, with 77 percent of Hispanic homicide victims in 2023 killed by guns, a significant rise from 69 percent in 2002. The study also points to the firearms industry's targeted marketing towards Hispanics and other communities of color as a strategy to expand its market beyond the traditional white male demographic.
VPC Executive Director Josh Sugarmann emphasized the gaps in data collection regarding Hispanic ethnicity, suggesting the actual numbers of gun violence victims are likely higher. The study calls for governmental agencies to improve data collection on ethnic origin and for increased support for violence reduction programs and strategies to combat the firearms industry's marketing efforts.
The complete report is available in both English and Spanish, providing a comprehensive look at the impact of gun violence on the Hispanic community in the U.S.