Libertarian Leanings

Idaho Eliminates Income Taxes on Gold and Silve

by Jp Cortez, Sound Money Defense League

(BOISE, IDAHO – March 7^th, 2025) -- Idaho yesterday formally ended state income taxes on gold and silver as part of its largest tax cut in state history.

House Bill 40, sponsored by House Speaker Mike Moyle and begrudgingly signed by the state’s liberal Republican governor Brad Little, provides a sweeping $253 million income tax cut for Idahoan taxpayers by lowering the rate from 5.695% to 5.3% while also adding two specific exemptions.

The new law includes a tax-neutral provision whereby taxpayers back out any “net capital gains or losses that meet the definition of precious metal bullion or monetized bullion… included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income.”

Idaho already had a long-standing sales tax exemption on purchases of precious metals. By exempting income connected with precious metals sales, it now becomes less difficult for gold and silver to resume their constitutional role as money in Idaho. All tax cuts contained in HB 40 take effect as of January 1, 2025, pursuant to the bill's emergency provisions.

Championed by Speaker Moyle and supported by the Sound Money Defense League and Money Metals Exchange, HB 40 received overwhelming support in both chambers of the Idaho legislature, reflecting a recognition of the importance of sound money principles at a time of blistering inflation.

Moyle said today, "I’m proud to help secure another $253 million in income tax cuts for Idaho families. Meanwhile, it makes no sense for Idaho to tax gold and silver, the only money mentioned in the U.S. Constitution.”

Political observers have noted that Governor Little appears worried about the potential of a conservative primary challenger in the upcoming 2026 election and also faces a high likelihood of veto overrides, so he has signed bills this session that the liberal Republican might normally be expected to veto.

Last year, Little violated his fiduciary duty to taxpayers by vetoing a bill that would have merely permitted, not required, the State Treasurer to hold physical gold to hedge risks endemic to the state’s large debt paper holdings.

Jp Cortez, executive director of the Sound Money Defense League, stressed the importance of Idaho’s new stance towards the precious metals, stating "Taxpayers are not permitted to deduct losses when the purchasing power of the Federal Reserve note declines, so it would be unfair to impose income taxes when gold and silver rise in nominal value largely as a result of currency debasement.”

“Idaho is now the 14^th state without income taxes on gold and silver, following Alabama and Nebraska which enacted similar exemptions last year ,” Cortez continued.

Idaho joins its neighbor Wyoming as the first two states to enact sound money legislation so far in 2025. Last month, Wyoming enacted a law establishing a state reserve fund of no less than $10 million in physical gold -- only months after the State of Utah had greenlighted a $180 million physical gold holding as part of its own state reserves.

Idaho’s current ranking of 14^th in the 2025 Sound Money Index is expected to rise to a top-five ranking with the passage of House Bill 40.

Jp Cortez is the Executive Director for the Sound Money Defense League, a non-partisan, national public policy group working to restore sound money at the state and federal level, and lead author of the Sound Money Index.

Hassan, Shaheen Join Filibuster Against Bill Protecting Women’s Sports From Male Athletes

by Michael Graham, NHJournal

Both New Hampshire Democrats in the U.S. Senate joined a filibuster to block the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act from reaching the floor for a vote.

The bill, which passed the House in January, received 51 votes on Monday, well short of the 60 needed for cloture. Both U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen voted against the bill, as did U.S. Reps. Maggie Goodlander and Chris Pappas.

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is aimed at ensuring that sports designated for women and girls are reserved exclusively for biological females. It does so in part by requiring schools covered by Title IX regulations to treat gender as “recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”

On February 5, President Trump issued an executive order doing the same thing.

A New York Times/Ipsos poll taken in January found Americans overwhelmingly support keeping biological males from competing against females, 79 to 18 percent.

Nonetheless, New Hampshire Democrats continued to oppose the legislation.

Shaheen, 78, has yet to announce if she will seek a fourth term in 2026, but the National Republican Senatorial Committee didn’t waste any time calling her out.

“Today, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) AGAIN voted against banning biological men from competing in women’s sports. Shaheen opposed similar legislation last year. Today’s vote shows she would rather stand with out-of-touch activists in Washington and Hollywood than New Hampshire families,” the NRSC said in a statement.

“Jeanne Shaheen told parents and their daughters that Democrats believe they must play sports and share locker rooms and bathrooms with biological males,” added NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia.

Senators Hassan and Shaheen would not respond to requests for comment from NHJournal, and neither had released a statement about their vote as of late Monday night.

Shaheen is the last incumbent Senator in a swing or competitive seat to announce whether or not she’s running in 2026. A new NHJournal poll found that more than 60 percent of Granite State voters are concerned about her age, and she loses a theoretical head-to-head matchup against former Gov. Chris Sununu by nearly nine points.

Now, she’s embracing a political position that is on the fringe of American politics, a vote she is all but certain to be criticized for if she chooses to run again.

The issue of protecting girls sports is resonating in New Hampshire as several high-profile cases unfold in court.

A group of Bow residents is suing after the school district said they could not wear pink wristbands with “XX” on them to girls’ sports competitions as a silent protest against allowing males to compete.

Two biological males who’ve competed in girls high school sports are challenging New Hampshire’s law banning them from participating on a girls team. They are also suing the Trump administration over his executive order.

And after months of insisting that athletes can decide their sex based on their feelings, the  New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association suddenly — and quietly — reversed course last month.

“The NHIAA Council unanimously voted this week to suspend NHIAA By-Law Article II: Section 21,” the group said.

  Michael Graham is Managing Editor of insideSources.com.

Cutting Off Social Security Checks?

USAID Uses US Tax Dollars to Fund Terrorists Who Kill Americans

Wyoming Enacts Law to Establish Strategic Gold Reserve

by Jp Cortez, Sound Money Defense League

(Cheyenne, Wyoming - February 24th, 2025) -- A groundbreaking bill to establish a strategic gold reserve has just become law in Wyoming.

Senate File 96 - also known as the Wyoming Gold Act - requires the Wyoming Treasurer to diversify the state's holdings by acquiring no less than $10 million in "specie and specie legal tender" as part of the state's Permanent Mineral Trust Fund.

After the bill passed overwhelmingly through both chambers, Governor Mark Gordon - who once held a position at the anti-gold Federal Reserve and previously served as state treasurer - today begrudgingly allowed SF 96 to become law without his signature and wrote a letter expressing his personal skepticism about protecting taxpayer funds with a gold allocation.

Lead sponsor Sen. Bob Ide said, "At present, Wyoming sadly doesn't own a single ounce of gold, placing our state's finances and citizens at substantial risk. This new law forces the Wyoming Treasurer's office to get off the dime and get itself educated on how to use physical gold to protect the state."

Wyoming's Permanent Mineral Trust Fund has been invested in conventional investments but has remarkably never included any physical gold, even as gold has more than doubled in its dollar price during the five years since similar proposals had been floated in the Wyoming legislature - with gold bullion vastly outperforming the state's existing investments over many years.

Many of Wyoming's investment holdings, especially its allocation to Third World debt, are exposed to counterparty risks. And several asset classes have seen their value decline in real terms when adjusting for inflation.

SF 96 would integrate gold and silver into the state's finances and provide a hedge against dollar devaluation, debt default, market drawdowns, and other risks.

A 2018 law defines "specie legal tender" as coin having gold or silver content and defines "specie" as refined gold or silver bullion which is coined, stamped, or imprinted with its weight and purity valued primarily on its metal content and not its form.

"States all over the country are considering and establishing gold reserves. Wyoming will finally now begin to establish a gold reserve and better protect itself against financial turmoil and the corrosive effects of the Federal Reserve's overt policy of currency debasement," said Jp Cortez, executive director of the Sound Money Defense League.

The required $10 million investment in specie is merely a floor. Given the size of Wyoming's investment portfolio, experts such as Money Metals Exchange CEO Stefan Gleason and Joe Cavatoni of the World Gold Council (who both testified in favor of SF 96) advise that a much larger allocation to physical precious metals would likely be appropriate.

Senate File 96 also directs Wyoming's Department of Revenue to conduct a study exploring how the state can better integrate gold and silver into the state's finances, including potentially accepting the monetary metals as payment for taxes and fees. This study's findings are to be reported to the legislature no later than October 1, 2025.

Wyoming joins many other states in embracing sound money policy through tax exemptions, establishment of gold reserves, and more.

The State of Utah recently acquired $50 million in physical gold currently, and Texas and Ohio have invested in gold as well. Similar legislation is under consideration in several other states this legislative session.

Central banks around the world have been stockpiling gold at record rates over the past several years, an indication of high global tensions and concerns about devaluation of the unbacked Federal Reserve Note "dollar" as well as its weaponization.

Wyoming currently ranks first on the 2025 Sound Money Index with a score of 56%. Enactment of SF 96 will help solidify the Cowboy State's standing as the best sound money state in the country.

 

Jp Cortez is the Executive Director for the Sound Money Defense League, a non-partisan, national public policy group working to restore sound money at the state and federal level, and lead author of the Sound Money Index.

It Survives Because it's a Money Maker -- for the Ruling Class

The Fruits of Democrate Soul Searching - There are None

For all of the soul searching that came out of their losses at the polls in November, the Democrats haven't really changed, and they won't. Even when they can see that they've lost the working class.

Democrats' claim to fame has always been as champions of the downtrodden, saviors to the victims of oppression. When they supported the working class, Democrats saw them as victims of capitalist oppression. Lately, they've moved on to a different set of victims who also, supposedly, need protection from capitalist oppression.

Up to now the victim-playbook has worked very well. Voters love the compassion, and Democrats have gotten richer, more powerful, and less likely to be voted out of office. Nancy Pelosi comes to mind. All the while, they never fix anybody's problems. Sure, some people benefit from Democrat initiatives, but it's generally a small benefit that gets amplified by our dishonest media into widespread misperception that Democrats are all about making things better for people. Their playbook has worked.

It has worked so well that Democrats overplayed. Working class and minorities were the base, but in the last thirty or so years Democrats added new classes of victims. When gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, the climate, and then trans came into the mix, cracks appeared in Democrat solidarity. Not all of their victim groups were sympathetic to each other. But they were small cracks, and party unity didn't suffer.

It wasn't until illegal aliens became the darlings of the Democrats that small cracks became serious fractures. Minorities saw crime on the increase in their neighborhoods and their opportunities fading. Meanwhile, illegal aliens were getting free housing and healthcare. Minority Americans said, "What about us?" Legal immigrants said, "How come they get to jump the line? What about us?"  Calculating what waves of illegal immigration would eventually mean for blue-state voter rolls, Democrats ignored them, counting on the legacy media to provide cover.

But the legacy media have been caught in too many lies, as people have been finding out from other news sources. We're finding out that so much of the money we thought America was sending around the world to help the downtrodden, really gets soaked up by NGOs (non-government organizations) and ultimately routed back to Democrats, their friends, and their donors. It's been going on, unreported in the legacy media, for decades.

And now we have the spectacle of Democrats going to court over USAID to argue that the elected government has no right to see what the unelected government does with taxpayers' money. It's going to be a fascinating time, this second Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Democrats will do what they always do, work on their message. Someday Democrats might instead choose to work on what benefits all of the people, or what benefits the country, but it won't be soon. Democrats are all about power. They believe they are the ones.

In fact, Barack Obama once said as much (quoting someone else): "We are the ones we have been waiting for." He meant, we can't wait for somebody else to change things. We have to do it. I prefer another interpretation: Obama and the Democrats think they are morally and intellectually superior, and uniquely qualified and entitled to govern in a fair and equitable way. All they need is power. The power to what's right and good. Whatever that might happen to be at the moment. Keeping in mind that you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs, and most voters aren't well enough educated to know what is in their own best interests.

So, the Democrats will focus on what amounts to a new advertising campaign, just the right wording and the right images to create their message, an illusion that what they're doing is not utterly self-serving. And, as always. the greater emphasis in their message will be that as bad as you think the Democrats are, Republicans are worse.

Dems Want to End NH Ban on Traffic Enforcement Cameras

by Michael Graham, NHJournal

Smile, New Hampshire drivers — you could soon be on a red light camera.

That’s the goal of Keene Democrat Rep. Philip Jones, who has proposed ending the state’s current ban on traffic enforcement cameras—his HB305, co-sponsored by Reps. Marc Plamondon (D-Nashua) and Terri O’Rorke (D-Keene) would allow municipalities to use remote, unmanned cameras for law enforcement.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D) has proposed a budget that includes allowing traffic enforcement cameras at the state and local levels.

New Hampshire is currently one of just six states that ban both red light cameras and speed cameras, along with Maine, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and West Virginia.

However, Jones’ bill would prohibit Granite State communities from doing what most states do and rely on third-party vendors to operate the cameras and collect the data. Cities and towns would have to operate the system themselves.

“We don’t want that in New Hampshire. The municipalities would have full control of the data — no spreading of the information among private companies,” Jones told the House Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“I think it’s very simple: It’s something to help our municipal police departments.”

New Hampshire House Republicans are adamant they are not going to go down that road.

“New Hampshire House Democrats are pushing legislation to install red light cameras, speed trap cameras, and traffic cameras all around the Granite State,” the House GOP caucus posted on Twitter/X. “Democrats are desperate for any form of revenue that they can squeeze out of you, whether it be taxes or traffic tickets.”

How much money? In Illinois, local governments have collected $500 million from drivers via red-light camera fines since 2019.

Several members of the Transportation Committee expressed their concerns about personal privacy issues, in particular the fact that cameras would capture images of the drivers, not just the vehicles.

Bill Lambert, State Highway Safety Administrator for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, appeared at Tuesday’s hearing, though the department is not taking a position on the bill.

“The speed feedback sign, ‘your speed is,’ we allow those on state highways,” he noted. And he pointed out that while the state’s toll system also uses cameras for enforcement, the toll cameras specifically do not capture the image of the driver, just the license plate. “The toll evasion cameras are strictly regulated by state law that we are only allowed to capture the plate. We don’t identify who the driver is.”

The ACLU has traditionally opposed these cameras based on civil liberties concerns, but in Connecticut last year, they softened their stance and dropped their opposition.

But in 2019, the New Hampshire ACLU sued the city of Manchester over plans to install surveillance cameras downtown. The cameras would have violated state law, they argued. A judge ruled against them and allowed the cameras.

Rep. Joseph Hamblen (R-Madison) sits on the Transportation Committee, and he asked Jones about people who are driving rental cars or company cars when they are caught by the cameras.

“It would be hard to enforce,” Jones acknowledged. “This isn’t a catch-all for every problem. It’s just here to help the police, especially when you’ve got local people who are consistent violators. That’s who the police want to go after, not visitors who come through in a rental car.”

But, Jones admitted, part of that strategy involves taking a picture of the person behind the wheel.

“The camera should catch, not just the car and license plate, but the driver’s image as well.”

  Michael Graham is Managing Editor of insideSources.com.

 

Murders by Weapon Type

September 2024 Statistics

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Homicides in the U.S. have risen to levels similar to those seen in the 1980s. The most commonly used weapons are firearms, unspecified weapons, and sharp objects.

Report Highlights:

• Since 2020, there has been a 33% increase in firearm usage in homicides.

• Between 1979 and 2014, other weapons were used in 30% - 40% of homicides, but by 2021, this decreased to under 20%.

• Mississippi has the highest rate of firearm usage in homicides at 91%.

• South Dakota has the highest rate of other weapons usage, with 74% of homicides involving non-firearm weapons.

• Handguns, knives, and personal weapons are used in more homicides than rifles, shotguns, or asphyxiation methods.

Murders in the U.S. by Weapon Type

In 2023, the United States recorded 22,830 homicides. Firearms were involved in 79 percent of the cases, sharp objects in 7 percent, and unspecified injuries accounted for 5.7 percent. Suffocation was attributed to 2.6 percent of homicides, while 2 percent involved blunt force injuries from being struck by or against an object. ²

In 2022, there were 7,936 homicides involving a handgun, 5,704 involving an unspecified firearm, and 1,630 involving a knife or sharp object. Additionally, 665 homicides were committed using personal weapons, such as hands or fists, and 541 involved a rifle. ⁵

Since 1979, firearms have been used in more than half of all homicides. However, the rate of firearm use in homicides has increased significantly since 2021. Before 2021, other weapons accounted for 30% to 40% of all homicides. In 2021, firearms were used in over 80% of homicides for the first time in U.S. history.^{1, 2, 3}

⁵

Murders by Weapon Type by State

As of 2023, Mississippi has the highest rate of firearm-related homicides, with firearms involved in 91% of cases, while South Dakota has the highest rate of homicides involving other objects, at 74%. ²

Southern states such as Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee also have high rates of firearm-related homicides, with 88%, 89%, and 86%, respectively. In Washington, D.C., and Missouri, firearms are involved in 85% of homicides, followed by 84% in Virginia and Kentucky, and 83% in Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.

Homicides involving other objects occur at higher rates in New York (44%), Hawaii (46%), New Hampshire (43%), and Nebraska (42%).

On average, firearms are used more frequently than any other weapon type in every state except South Dakota, where eleven out of forty-two homicides in 2023 involved firearms.

Texas, California, Florida, Illinois, and Georgia contributed the most homicides to the nation’s total. Firearms were used in 72% of homicides in California, 78% in Florida, 79% in Texas, and 83% in both Illinois and Georgia.

Wyoming, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and North Dakota had the fewest homicides in 2023. Weapon data for Wyoming is unavailable, but firearms were used in 72% of homicides in Vermont, 64% in Rhode Island, 72% in New Hampshire, and 61% in North Dakota.

²

What is the Weapon That is Most Commonly Used for Homicides

Despite a similar number of homicides, firearms are used more frequently today than in the 1980s. In 1979, firearms were involved in 65% of homicides. By 2000, this figure had dropped to less than 64%. ³

In 2012, firearms were used in more than 70% of homicides for the first time. By 2021, firearms were involved in over 80% of murders, marking a historic high in the U.S. As of 2023, firearms are used in nearly 80% of all homicides nationwide. ^{2, 3}

Homicide rates declined between 1999 and 2014, reaching levels similar to those seen in the 1960s. Between 2013 and 2018, the U.S. averaged 15,000 homicides annually. Of these, handguns were used in an average of 6,615 homicides per year. Knives and cutting instruments accounted for an average of 1,544 homicides annually, while personal weapons (hands, fists, feet, etc.) were involved in an average of 669 homicides per year. ⁴

^{1, 2, 3}

Homicide in America: Weapons & Trends

Firearms have been the most commonly used weapon in homicides for decades, but their usage has increased by 33% over the past five years.

Despite decreased access to firearms and the implementation of stricter gun control laws, more offenders are using firearms in homicides than ever before. In contrast, during the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, knives and personal weapons were more commonly used. Unspecified weaponry, knives, and firearms continue to be the most frequently used weapons in homicides compared to other weapon types.

Sources

1. CDC Wonder Database 2018-2022
2. CDC Provisional Wonder Database 2018-2023
3. CDC Compressed Mortality Database 1979-1998
4. FBI Expanded Homicides 2013-2019
5. Number of Murder Victims by Weapon Used 2022

NH Senate Passes Sanctuary City Ban Over Unanimous Dem Opposition

by Michael Graham, NHJournal

A day after President Donald Trump signed the Laken Riley Act — supported by all four Democrats in the state’s federal delegation — the New Hampshire Senate passed a series of immigration enforcement bills over the unified opposition of Senate Democrats.

The bill that received the most attention and inspired the most debate is a proposed ban on sanctuary city policies, similar to a bill passed unanimously by the New Hampshire House Criminal Justice Committee last week.

Despite the results of November’s elections and polls showing most Americans support increased immigration enforcement, Senate Democrats stuck with their stance last year and opposed all three proposals:

SB 13: Invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to undocumented immigrants.

SB 62: Allows state, county, or local law enforcement agencies to partner with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

SB 71 Prevents local governments from adopting sanctuary city policies that would obstruct cooperation with federal immigration officials.

All three bills passed on a party-line vote of 15-8.

“Sanctuary city policies create devastating consequences to states and communities alike, but our state is cracking down on illegal immigrants in New Hampshire,” said Sen. Bill Gannon (R-Sandown), who sponsored the sanctuary city ban. “We are sending a clear message that our citizens will be protected against illegal drugs and crime threatening other states. In New Hampshire, there is no room for sanctuary city policies.”

Sen. Sue Prentiss (D-West Lebanon) acknowledged that Lebanon has passed a “welcoming” resolution, which explicitly instructs local law enforcement not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement efforts. However, she said, the city’s police are cooperating, making the legislation superfluous.

“I thought that Groundhog Day was in February, but it looks like it’s today. Sen. Gannon continues to point to the city of Lebanon as being a haven of noncitizens who are legally in this country, and that they are raining down crime on our city,” Prentiss complained.

“Since this policy has adopted a ‘Welcoming Lebanon’ ordinance, we’ve had three cases where law enforcement has arrested an individual who did not have citizenship. They had all committed crimes, and they were prosecuted and pushed through the process. We did not open the doors and set them free.”

Sen. Daryl Abbas (R- R-Salem) took issue with Prentiss’ use of the phrase “noncitizen.”

“I heard the term again, ‘noncitizens.’ If you’re here legally and you’re a noncitizen, you’re welcome in every single community in the state,” Abbas said. “Legal immigrants, people who come to this country legally, who have legal status, are welcomed in this state. That’s what we support here in New Hampshire. We do not support illegal immigration.”

Several Republicans echoed the ‘Don’t MASS Up New Hampshire” messaging of Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who has said she will sign a sanctuary city ban. During her campaign for governor last year, she highlighted the costs and crime associated with the surge in illegal aliens into the Bay State.

Since Trump took office 10 days ago, there have been a series of high-profile arrests of illegals who’ve also been charged or convicted of violent crimes.

A day before the Senate vote, Fox News reporter Bill Melugin reported that an MS-13 gang member arrested by ICE Boston last week “had already been ordered deported from the U.S. in October and was facing local gun charges, but he was released into the community by the East Boston District Court after the court ignored ICE’s detainer request. He was also caught and released at the border by the Biden administration in March 2021.”

Abbas said New Hampshire should learn from Massachusetts’ example.

“They love to brag about their sanctuary policies. Well, they spent over a billion dollars trying to manage their sanctuary policies. They had such a large influx of illegal immigrants come to their state that they had to have executive orders where they were forcing hotels to provide housing for illegal immigrants,” Abbas said.

“They were, at one point, encouraging people to house (migrants) in their house, just as a public service. That’s how bad it got. Well, if a welcoming community — or sanctuary city, I call that a rebrand — if they’re going to enact those policies, what’s going to happen if they have a large influx of illegal immigrants?”

Democrats also unsuccessfully tried to kill legislation mandating minimum sentences for fentanyl-related offenses and for drug dealers when their illegal drugs kill people.

There were more than 500 opioid overdoses in Manchester last year, down from the record 877 in 2017, but still higher than the pre-opioid era. The city’s new GOP senator, Victoria Sullivan, praised the Senate’s actions.

“Today, the New Hampshire Senate took necessary steps to thwart drug trafficking of fentanyl to our citizens, as well as cracking down on illegal immigration. Seemingly endless illegal immigration has crushed our southern neighbor, Massachusetts, and we do not want to follow in their footsteps,” Sullivan said.

“I always vote for the safety of Granite Staters and will put New Hampshire first.”

   Michael Graham is Managing Editor of insideSources.com.

NHDem Chair Buckley Accused of Sexism After ‘Classless’ Attack on NH’s Leavitt

by Michael Graham, NHJournal

While New Hampshire native Karoline Leavitt was winning rave reviews for her performance in her first-ever press briefing as White House spokeswoman, one Granite Stater went out of his way to give her a thumbs down.

New Hampshire Democratic Party chair Ray Buckley.

Leavitt grew up in Atkinson, N.H., and, at 27 years old, she’s the youngest person to hold the position. Many Granite Staters were impressed by St. Anselm College grad’s ability to handle the high-stakes event Tuesday, fielding tough questions from an adversarial press.

“Not only was she flawless in delivery, she displayed a mastery of the subjects. Most importantly, her overall approach and performance, I believe, matched what the president is looking for as his spokesperson,” said Neil Levesque, executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Leavitt’s alma mater.

Linda Fanaras, CEO of Millennium Agency in Manchester, N.H. was also impressed.

“Karoline Leavitt is a smart, articulate, and highly capable spokesperson who has been able to navigate national media relations with skill and confidence. Her impressive leadership highlights the strength of women in politics, and as a proud New Hampshire native and graduate, she represents the state with distinction. New Hampshire should be proud to support such an accomplished young woman.”

But Buckley didn’t let hometown pride keep him from insulting Leavitt on social media.

Responding to a Twitter/X post from WMUR reporting on Leavitt’s starting her new job, Buckley wrote, “To the utter embarrassment of the Granite State.”

And then he added a message he claimed represented the view of the people of New Hampshire: “World, don’t blame us for Karoline, we have rejected both Trump and Karoline every time they have been a November ballot.”

While Buckley is known for his bare-knuckle politics, his decision to attack Leavitt in such an insulting way stunned even some Granite State Republicans.

Maya Harvey has worked as a spokeswoman for GOP candidates, including former state Senate President Chuck Morse’s campaign for governor last year.

“Nothing says ‘female empowerment’ at the New Hampshire Democrat Party quite like their 66-year-old male chairman publicly attacking a highly accomplished working mom from the Granite State on the very day she’s celebrated as the youngest woman to ever hold her position,” said Harvey, who is currently working as communications director for the Arkansas GOP.

“Instead of criticizing a young woman’s success, Chairman Buckley should reflect on his own personal failures, starting with losing New Hampshire’s First-in-the-Nation primary.”

Alicia Preston Xanthopoulos, a veteran GOP comms professional, said she was “disappointed” by Buckley’s gratuitous attack.

“It is a major accomplishment to become White House press secretary and regardless of what one thinks of her boss or personal politics, every Granite Stater should be proud,” Xanthopoulos told NHJournal.

“I also wonder what Chairman Buckley would say if a Republican man in his sixties and a position of power mocked a young Democratic woman?”

What struck several political insiders about Buckley’s insults targeting Leavitt is that they go against the “603 spirit” of New Hampshire, where people take pride in the state and the accomplishments of its people.

One frustrated Democrat noted local news coverage of Ohio State’s national championship football team featured the New Hampshire roots of the team’s coach, Ryan Day, and offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly.

“We like to see our local people go national,” the Democrat said. “This was really classless of Ray.”

Former GOP Speaker of the House Donna Sytek, however, said she wasn’t surprised.

“That’s just Ray being Ray. He’d probably find a way to criticize Mother Teresa!”

Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s spokesperson, John Corbett, offered his theory about why the Democratic Party chairman was being so rude.

“Ray Buckley is still reeling from his humiliating losses in November and is choosing to lash out at a working mom and one of New Hampshire’s own — it’s embarrassing. Gov. Ayotte is proud to have Karoline representing New Hampshire in the Trump administration.”

And House Majority Leader Jason Osborne punched back against Buckley’s “embarrassment” attack on Twitter/X.

“I am sure Karoline will continue to embarrass Democrats in NH and everywhere each time she takes the podium. Meanwhile, the rest of us will have our popcorn ready to cheer and enjoy the show.”

   Michael Graham is Managing Editor of insideSources.com.

Stray Bullet Deaths

Accident and Injury Statistics in September 2024

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Report Highlights: A total of 34 deaths and 62 injuries from stray bullets have been reported in the United States as of September 25, 2024.

• 124 stray bullet or celebratory gunfire incidents made U.S. headlines in the first nine months of 2024.

• As many as 32% of celebratory gunfire injuries result in death.

• There were 34 known stray bullet deaths from January to September of 2024.

• Law enforcement agencies track thousands of shots fired calls every year.

• South America leads the world in the number of stray bullet deaths, with Brazil having the highest rate.

Related Data Studies: Gun Death Statistics by Caliber, Accidental Shooting Statistics, and Gun Deaths in the U.S.: The Most At-Risk Demographics.

Disclaimer: Stray bullet incidents aren’t widely studied or researched. Therefore, we relied on news articles and known incidents to compile the data below. The incident rates are likely higher.

How Many People Die from Stray Bullets Each Year?

Between January 1, 2024, and September 25, 2024, 34 stray bullet deaths and 62 injuries have been reported in the United States. Stray bullet deaths, injuries, and incidents are a widespread problem but are not tracked. These incidents appear in news stories daily around the globe but are not widely investigated.

Stray bullets are defined as those that miss an intended target and continue traveling or those fired in celebratory discharges, possibly hitting an innocent bystander. Each year, fifty to one hundred people in various countries die due to stray bullets.

Furthermore, no database in the U.S. tracks the number of stray bullet incidents. We can gather information for unintentional shooting deaths, but many stray bullet deaths are recorded as homicides, while unintentional shootings often include accidental discharges.

Compared to all other shooting injuries, stray bullet deaths appear to be the rarest. However, these types of shootings aren’t widely reported and can be challenging to discern from other shooting incidents.

How Many People Die from Celebratory Gun Fire Each Year?

Between 1985 and 1992, 118 patients in California were identified as wounded by falling bullets (celebratory gunfire). Of those, 32% died.

Every year, local police departments and medical officials warn the public about the dangers of celebratory gunfire, but there are still many cases of injuries and deaths globally each year.

Celebratory gunfire typically involves falling bullets. Injuries are most often inflicted on the head or feet, and yes, they can be lethal. A .30 caliber bullet will fall at 300 fps (or 204 mph).

Seven Americans that we know of were injured by stray bullets on New Year’s Eve, 2024. (Source 7) 32% of 118 patients identified as wounded by falling bullets died between 1985 and 1992 (Source 8).

165 injuries from celebratory gunfire were identified in India and Pakistan between 2006 and 2010 - of those, 13 died. (Source 9)

St. Louis received over 2,000 911 calls for celebratory gunfire on New Year’s in 2024.

Source: ⁹

Disclaimer: All data in this graphic are compiled using reports of celebratory gunfire injury and death totals in various countries.

Number of Stray Bullet Incidents Each Year

There are hundreds of news stories about stray bullet incidents each year. Unfortunately, this doesn’t accurately represent all stray bullet incidents, as many may not be newsworthy or misidentified.

Stray bullet incidents don’t always result in injuries. But they often involve damage to property and worry communities.

Gunfire is more prevalent in some jurisdictions, and law enforcement agencies have implemented programs that detect gunshots and send reports to the police. Chicago’s ShotSpotter (discontinued in September of 2024), for example, logs thousands of gunshots in the city each year.

Unfortunately, these systems don’t differentiate between stray bullets and those that hit their target. Still, with thousands fired in one city each year, it’s safe to assume there are many more nationwide.

Urban vs. Rural Stray Bullet Incidents Each Year

Rural areas do not have the same number of stray bullet incidents as urban areas. However, due to reporting issues, we can’t compare the number of stray bullet incidents, injuries, or deaths per capita.

Although we don’t have exact data relating to rural and urban stray bullet deaths, the CDC Wonder Database does report all firearm-related deaths. Between 2018 and 2022, 64% of all firearm-related homicides, unintentional shootings, and unidentified deaths occurred in urban areas (250,000+ people).

17% of deaths occurred in large suburban areas (1 million+ people), and 19% occurred in small cities and rural areas. If we consider that more than 274 million Americans live in urban areas, and only 57.5 million live in rural ones, we can conclude that more bullets are flying per person in urban areas than rural ones (29/100k vs. 18/100k, respectively).

Most Common Caliber/Weapon Used

In the United States, it is likely the 9mm handgun is the most common caliber/weapon used in stray bullet incidents.

Although there is no database collecting stray bullet information, the vast majority of stray bullets tend to be linked to crime (per news reports). The ATF publishes crime gun reports each year, and 9mm handguns are consistently the most used firearm in crime activities.

How Far Can a Stray Bullet Travel?

According to experiments in the 1940s, a .30 caliber bullet fired in the air will reach 9,000 feet before falling back to the earth at 300 fps. (Source 5)

.22 caliber bullets can travel for more than a mile, while 9mm bullets can travel nearly 3 miles. (Source 6)

The distance a bullet can travel and its trajectory all vary depending on the weight, shape, caliber, environmental conditions, and so much more. Even the smallest and least powerful cartridges can harm people and property several hundred yards away.

Countries with the Highest and Lowest Rates of Stray Bullet Deaths

Stray bullet deaths aren’t a uniquely American issue. In fact, stray bullet deaths occur at much higher rates in Brazil, Mexico, Lebanon, and Iraq, per reports.

Thousands of stray bullets led to schools closing in Brazil after the police cracked down on gangs. Celebratory gunfire leads to many injuries and deaths in Iraq and Lebanon. Mexico’s drug wars often lead to stray bullet deaths and injuries.

The United Nations has done extensive research on stray bullet deaths in South America as the issue tends to be more prevalent than in other regions. Sadly, Brazil leads South America in the number of stray bullet deaths.

What Are the Chances of Getting Hit with a Stray Bullet?

Based on our analysis, Americans are 117 times more likely to die in a fire, 148 times more likely to drown, and 34 times more likely to suffocate than die from a stray bullet.

Although stray bullet incidents are likely underrepresented and misidentified, evidence supports the fact that deaths are rare compared to the number of bullets flying. Injuries related to stray bullets are much more common, and property damage is even more so.

Stray Bullet Deaths & Injuries in the U.S. January to September 2024

Stray bullet deaths often dominate headlines in various U.S. cities. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of every known stray bullet death or injury in the first nine months of 2024.

Celebratory Gunfire Deaths & Injuries in the U.S. Between January to September 2024

Although not as prevalent as stray bullet deaths and injuries, celebratory gunfire also leads to tragedies. Click HERE to see a comprehensive list of the known incidents of celebratory gunfire-related fatalities and injuries in the U.S.

Stray Bullets: What Goes Up, Must Come Down

Stray bullets end lives and terrorize communities all over the globe. Despite limited research, news articles provide valuable insight into the effects of stray bullets on individuals and communities.

Property damage and injuries are more probable than deaths as a result of careless discharges. However, the exact totals are unknown due to reporting issues and misidentification.

Comprehensive list of every known stray bullet death or injury in the first nine months of 2024:

• 9/21/24 - 1 Dead - IL
• 9/25/24 - N/A - TX
• 9/25/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 9/24/24 - 1 Injured - OR
• 9/16/24 - 1 Dead - NY
• 9/4/24 - N/A - NY
• 9/25/24 - N/A - MO
• 9/21/24 - N/A - NC
• 9/19/24 - 1 Dead - NC
• 9/21/24 - 1 Dead - OH
• 9/16/24 - N/A - CA
• 9/6/24 - 1 Dead - IN
• 9/15/24 - 1 Injured - NY
• 08/15/24 - 1 Dead - OK
• 08/27/24 - 1 Injured - CA
• 08/29/24 - 1 Injured - FL
• 09/13/24 - 2 Injured - NY
• 09/03/24 - 1 Injured - IL
• 09/10/24 - N/A - CA
• 08/31/24 - 1 Injured - CA
• 07/23-24 - 1 Dead - TX
• 07/26/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 09/08/24 - 1 Injured - TN
• 08/01/24 - 1 Dead - CA
• 07/31/24 - N/A - SC
• 09/09/24 - 1 Injured - SC
• 07/04/24 - 1 Injured - IN
• 07/28/24 - 1 Injured - FL
• 07/09/24 - 1 Dead - TX
• 07/06/24 - 1 Injured - VA
• 07/07/24 - 1 Dead - IL
• 05/27/24 - 1 Dead - TX
• 06/08/24 - 1 Injured - PA
• 07/04/24 - 2 Injured - FL
• 07/04/24 - 1 Injured - GA
• 07/11/24 - 1 Injured - SC
• 06/13/24 - 1 Injured - UT
• 07/01/24 - N/A - NV
• 08/28/24 - 1 Dead (Canine) - NY
• 05/29/24 - 1 Dead - WA
• 04/18/24 - 1 Dead - CA
• 06/12/24 - 1 Injured - MS
• 04/29/24 - 1 Dead - VA
• 02/13/24 - 1 Injured - VA
• 05/03/24 - 1 Injured - D.C.
• 04/05/24 - 2 Injured - NJ
• 06/13/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 05/30/24 - N/A - IN
• 08/28/24 - 1 Dead - FL
• 07/01/24 - 1 Dead - PA
• 06/11/24 - 1 Injured - NY
• 03/24/24 - 1 Injured - OR
• 07/22/24 - 1 Dead - CA
• 08/11/24 - 1 Injured - FL
• 06/19/24 - 1 Dead - IL
• 05/03/24 - 1 Dead - NC
• 05/01/24 - 1 Injured - VA
• 06/10/24 - 1 Dead - PA
• 04/10/24 - 1 Dead - MI
• 04/30/24 - 1 Injured - PA
• 04/26/24 - 1 Dead - OR
• 05/07/24 - N/A - AZ
• 08/11/24 - 1 Injured - FL
• 06/07/24 - N/A - IL
• 05/27/24 - 1 Injured - WI
• 05/05/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 06/05/24 - 1 Dead - MN
• 05/26/24 - 1 Dead - FL
• 05/05/24 - 1 Injured - CA
• 03/29/24 - N/A - MA
• 03/08/24 - 1 Injured - LA
• 05/07/24 - N/A - TX
• 07/03/24 - 1 Injured - VA
• 03/31/24 - 1 Injured - NY
• 06/24/24 - 1 Injured - GA
• 07/31/24 - 1 Injured - PA
• 03/30/24 - 1 Dead/1 Injured - MD
• 07/17/24 - 1 Dead - NY
• 03/31/24 - 1 Injured - CA
• 04/12/24 - 1 Injured - MO
• 06/04/24 - 1 Injured - NY
• 04/30/24 - 1 Injured - AL
• 05/24/24 - 1 Injured - OH
• 03/06/24 - 1 Injured - OH
• 07/19/24 - 1 Injured - PA
• 05/05/24 - N/A - NY
• 04/16/24 - N/A - FL
• 04/11/24 - 1 Dead - CA
• 03/10/24 - 1 Dead - NV
• 05/26/24 - 1 Injured - NJ
• 04/11/24 - 1 Injured - PA
• 05/20/24 - 1 Injured - NY
• 01/03/24 - 1 Injured - MN
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - MN
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - MN
• 02/23/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 01/31/24 - 1 Injured - NC
• 04/11/24 - 1 Dead - MI
• 01/14/24 - 1 Injured - GA
• 01/05/24 - 1 Injured - TN
• 01/21/24 - 1 Dead - HI
• 01/01/24 - N/A - MO

Comprehensive list of the known incidents of celebratory gunfire-related fatalities and injuries in the U.S.:

• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - FL
• 01/01/24 - N/A - WI
• 01/01/24 - N/A - GA
• 01/01/24 - N/A - GA
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - NY
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - AZ
• 01/01/24 - 1 Dead - LA
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - TN
• 12/31/24 - 1 Dead - TN
• 01/01/24 - N/A - TX
• 01/01/24 - 1 Injured - TX
• 01/01/24 - N/A - GA
• 01/01/24 - 1 Dead - SC
• 01/01/24 - N/A - IL
• 07/04/24 - 4 Injured - TN
• 07/04/24 - 1 Injured - CA
• 07/04/24 - N/A - VA

Sources

1. Deaths and Injuries due to All Injury among Persons Aged All Ages Years, 2018 to 2022, United States
2. Epidemiology and clinical aspects of stray bullet shootings in the United States
3. Stray Bullet Shootings in the United States
4. Gun Violence Archive: Unintentional Injuries 2024
5. Where Do Bullets Go
6. Expert: The Average Person Doesn’t Know How Far a Bullet Travels
7. Celebratory Gunfire Continued New Year’s Eve with Deadly Consequences
8. Spent Bullets and Their Injuries
9. The Incidents, Pattern, and Outcome of Stray Bullet Injuries

What Percentage of Gun Deaths are Suicides?

Firearm-Death Statistics in the U.S. (2024)

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Report Highlights: Suicides account for more than half of firearm-related deaths among nearly every demographic each year.

• Between 2018 and 2024, 57% of all firearm-related deaths were suicides.

• Among white Americans, 83% of gun deaths are suicides, compared to 38% among Hispanics and 17% among Black Americans.

• On average, 77.81% of gun deaths across all age groups are suicides, with the rate increasing among older age groups.

Related Studies: Accidental Shooting Statistics 1979-2024 | Gun Death Statistics by Caliber | Gun Deaths in the U.S. (At-Risk Demographics)

Ammo.com provides reliable, accurate and up-to-date information on various subjects. You can view all of the sources used in this article HERE.

Methodology

Deaths in the United States are recorded in the CDC WONDER database, which provides comprehensive data on mortality by various causes, including firearm-related deaths. The data in this report were compiled using CED WONDER, focusing on the underlying cause of death from 2018 to 2024. To ensure accuracy and reliability, the information was cross-referenced with other reputable sources, such as academic studies, government reports, and independent research publications.

The analysis included provisional data for 2023 and 2024, where available, and incorporated demographic breakdowns by race, gender, and age to provide a nuanced understanding of trends in firearm-related suicides. All findings are current as of November 2024.

Statistical tools and spreadsheets, including Google Sheets, were used to organize and analyze the data. Tables and percentages were calculated based on raw figures from the CDC database to present a clear and accurate depiction of gun deaths by suicide across various demographics.

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Year

Between 2018 and 2024, 57% of all gun deaths in the U.S. were suicides. Before 2021, suicides accounted for over 60% of all firearm-related deaths. However, starting in 2021, firearm homicides began to rise, reducing the proportion of suicide-related gun deaths to between 50% and 58%.

This shift may be attributed to various social and economic factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, increased societal stress, and potential changes in gun ownership or accessibility. Understanding these dynamics is critical to addressing both suicide prevention and broader firearm-related violence. ^{2, 4}

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Race

In 2023, 83% of all gun deaths among white Americans were suicides, compared to 67% among Asians, 46% among Native Americans, 38% among Hispanics, and only 17% among Black Americans. This demonstrates a significant disparity in how firearm-related deaths are distributed among racial groups. ^{1, 2}

Conversely, black Americans were more likely to be murdered than commit suicide, with 79% of firearm deaths being homicides, followed by 56% among Hispanics. These statistics highlight a stark contrast in firearm death causes between racial groups. ^{1, 2}

White Americans are more likely to commit suicide with a firearm, while all other racial groups are predominantly affected by homicide-related gun deaths. These differences may reflect varying social, economic, and environmental factors, such as access to firearms, mental health resources, and exposure to violence.

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Age

Suicide accounts for more than half of all gun deaths across all age groups in the U.S. Among Americans aged 65 and older, 94% of firearm deaths are attributed to suicide, the highest percentage of any age group. In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 have the lowest percentage of suicide-related gun deaths, at 54%.^{1, 2}

For individuals aged 15 to 34, 75% of firearm deaths are due to suicide. This percentage steadily increases with age: 81% of firearm deaths among those aged 45 to 54 are suicides, rising to 87% for individuals aged 55 to 64.^{1, 2}

These trends suggest that older Americans are particularly inclined toward suicide involving firearms, potentially due to factors such as social isolation, declining health, and increased access to firearms in later life. By contrast, younger individuals experience a broader distribution of gun-related deaths, including homicides and accidents, alongside suicides.

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Gender

In 2023, 39,344 men and 6,804 women died from gunshot wounds. Of these deaths, 59% of male gun deaths and 52% of female gun deaths were attributed to suicide.^{1, 2}

Women were more likely to die from firearm-related homicides than suicides, with 44% of female gun deaths resulting from homicide. In contrast, men were predominantly affected by firearm-related suicides, with 37% of male gun deaths caused by homicide.^{1, 2}

Suicides and Gun Deaths: Wrap-Up

More than half of all gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, except among Black and Hispanic Americans, where firearm homicides are more prevalent. Suicide-related gun deaths increase significantly with age, while homicide-related deaths tend to decline in older populations.

In 2021, a rise in firearm homicides reduced the proportion of gun deaths attributed to suicides compared to previous years, highlighting shifting trends in gun-related violence.

Sources

1. CDC Wonder Data (Provisional Data)
2. CDC Wonder: Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2022
3. What the Data Says About Gun Deaths in the U.S.
4. Gun Deaths in America 2022

Gun Violence Among Black Americans

A Pandemic of Violence

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Key Points: Black Americans are twice as likely to be murdered with bullets than any other race. Furthermore, 88% of black American gun deaths are attributed to another black American.

Report Highlights:

• Black Americans make up 14% of the U.S. population and account for 29% of the nation’s firearm-related deaths.

• Black Americans have been two times more likely to perish in firearm-related incidents than any other race for the past two decades.

• 89% of all black firearm-related homicides are perpetrated by a black offender, while 79% of white firearm-related homicides are perpetrated by a white offender.

• Black children are nearly 9 times more likely to die from firearm-related violence than any other race.

• 5.3 black Americans commit suicide with a firearm out of 100,000, while 9.5 white Americans commit suicide with a firearm out of every 100,000.

This report was compiled using reputable sources to ensure the most accurate information. All sources are listed HERE.

How Many Gun Violence Incidents Affect Black Americans Each Year?

In 2023, 22,828 people were murdered. Of those, 54% were black Americans. What’s more troubling is that black Americans comprise only 14% of the U.S. population. (Source 1) Furthermore, in 2023, there were 17,926 firearm-related homicides. Of those, black American victims accounted for 59% (10,563).

Homicides aren’t the only form of violence plaguing America. However, black Americans tend to commit suicide less often than other races. In 2023, there were 49,315 suicides—just over half of those involved a firearm. Black Americans died by firearm-related suicide at a rate of 5.3 per 100,000. Comparatively, white Americans died of suicide at a rate of 9.5 per 100,000.

Black Americans also succumb to firearm-related accidents more than other races at a rate of 0.3 per 100,000 compared to white Americans at 0.1 per 100,000.

¹

How Many Black Americans Die From Guns Each Year?

In 2023, 46,727 Americans died from gunshot wounds (including suicide, unintentional injuries, etc.). Black Americans accounted for 13,350 of these deaths, whereas white Americans accounted for 31,385.

However, black Americans are overrepresented in this data due to the smaller population size. For example, 29.4 black Americans died from gunshots for every 100,000. Only 12.5 white Americans per every 100,000 succumbed to firearm-related injuries. ¹

This unfortunate pattern has been consistent over the years. Between 2018 and 2023, black Americans died from gunshot wounds at a rate of 29 per 100,000, compared to 12 white/Hispanic Americans. ³

¹

Black Americans Gun Death Trends 1968-2023

Since 1968, black Americans have died at a rate of at least 20 people per one hundred thousand. Comparatively, white Americans have died at a rate of at least eight people per one hundred thousand during this same time period.

Black Americans died at higher rates in the 1980s and 1990s (30+ people per 100k), then slowed through the early 2000s and 2010s.

The lowest rate of firearm-related deaths among black Americans occurred in 2014, at 18.4 people per one hundred thousand. In 2020, the rate spiked to 34 per one hundred thousand and peaked in 2021 at 36 deaths per one hundred thousand.

^{1, 3, 5}

What Is the Number of Black Americans Killed by Guns Annually?

In 2023, firearm-related deaths among black Americans totaled 129 unintentional incidents, 2,385 suicides, 10,563 homicides, 139 related to legal intervention/operations of war, and 134 were undetermined.

Dating back to 1999, black Americans have died at higher rates than any other race. In the first two decades of the 21st century, black Americans died at twice the rate of any other race.

Firearm-related deaths spiked after 2020, but it was black Americans who suffered the most. In 2020, firearm-related deaths of black Americans increased by 37%, whereas white deaths increased by 4%.

^{1, 3}

What Is the Impact of Gun Violence on Black Americans by Age Range?

Black Americans between the ages of 15 and 34 comprise the highest per capita rate of homicide victims at 53.5 per 100,000. Sadly, the demographic represents only three percent of the U.S. population but accounted for 35% of the nation’s homicide victims in 2023. ¹

Non-Hispanic white Americans in the same age group are murdered with a firearm at a rate of 2.6 per 100,000, Native Americans are murdered with a gun at a rate of 18 per 100,000, and Hispanic Americans are murdered at a rate of 10.4 per 100,000.

Black children are nearly nine times more likely to die in a firearm-related homicide than white children. In 2023, black children between the ages of five and fourteen died at a rate of 3.5 per 100,000, compared to white children at a rate of 0.4 per 100,000.

¹

Black-on-Black Gun Deaths and Murders Per Year

In 2019, 89% of black American homicides were perpetrated by another black American. Similarly, 79% of white victims were murdered by another white person. ⁴

In 2021, there were 2,510 black American homicide offenders, according to the FBI, compared to 1,903 white homicide offenders. When we compare the population sizes, we see that black Americans are arrested for homicides at a rate of 6.5 per 100,000, and the second highest homicide offenders, white Americans, are arrested at a rate of 0.8 per 100,000. ²

These rates correlated with homicide victims, as well. In 2023, black Americans were murdered by firearms at a rate of 23.3 per 100,000, and white non-Hispanic Americans were murdered at a rate of 1.8 per 100,000.

⁴

How Does Gun Death Risk Differ Between Black and White Americans?

In 2023, black Americans were 1.6 times more likely to be the victims of a firearm-related homicide than white Americans.

Of the 46,728 gun-shot-related deaths in 2023, 29% were black Americans, and 61% were white Americans. However, 59% of firearm-related homicide victims were black, while 37% were white.

Black men are 6.9 times more likely to die than black women and 1.8 times more likely than white men. However, white women are 1.1 times more likely to die in a firearm-related homicide than black women.

How Prevalent is Gun-Related Suicide Among Black Americans?

Although black Americans are more likely to succumb to firearm-related homicides, white Americans are 10 times more likely to die of firearm-related suicide. In 2023, only 9% of all firearm suicides ended the life of a black American.

In 2023, 23,825 white Americans committed suicide with a firearm compared to 2,385 black Americans. For reference, when we compare population sizes, black Americans die from firearm-related suicide at a rate of 5.3 per 100,000, while white Americans die at a rate of 9.5 per 100,000.

Racial Disparities and Guns

Historically, black Americans have faced and overcome many plights. Sadly, in the 1970s, violence began plaguing this specific subset of Americans, and the deadly patterns continued nearly fifty years later.

Compared to every other demographic, Americans are disproportionately impacted by violence, including firearm-related violence. This article explores one of the more troubling aspects of American culture and the racial disparities in violence statistics.

Sources

1. CDC Wonder Provisional Reports
2. FBI Crime Data Explorer
3. CDC Wonder Underlying Cause of Death
4. 2019 FBI UCR
5. CDC Compressed Mortality

Kentucky Considers Bill to Entice Gold and Silver Investors to Sue the State for Wrongful Taxation

by Jp Cortez, Sound Money Defense League

After a multi-year effort backed by Money Metals, the Sound Money Defense League, and other in-state allies, the Kentucky legislature approved a bill that included ending the sales tax on purchases of precious metals in 2024.

However, Gov. Beshear used an unconstitutional line-item veto on the gold and silver sales tax exemption when he did not have the power to do so, sneering, “if you own gold, you can afford to pay sales tax.”

Despite the sales tax exemption on the metals being codified in state statutes and an opinion from the state Attorney General declaring the veto invalid, the governor directed his department of revenue to continue collecting the tax, threatening businesses and investors who did not comply with legal action.

In response, freshman legislator Rep. T.J. Roberts has introduced House Bill 2, a measure that would give aggrieved taxpayers a legal remedy to sue state officials for improper taxation on the purchase of gold and silver in the Bluegrass State.

The bill says, “any aggrieved taxpayer who has had taxes collected from them in any purchase that are exempt under KRS 139.480(37), may maintain an action for a refund on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, without need to resort to any administrative process, against any person collecting or holding such tax funds, including the Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue.”

This bill is supported and sponsored by the majority of GOP-leadership, and was even assigned a single-digit House Bill number, a designation usually assigned to priority bills with strong support.

Rep. Roberts told the Sound Money Defense League, “Gov. Beshear has engaged in illegal action in order to block legislation he does not like. This is a blatant abuse of separation of powers.”

“Citizens of Kentucky, or of any state in the United States, for that matter, shouldn’t be taxed for trying to use, buy, or transact in honest, sound money,” the liberty firebrand from District 66 continued.

Aggrieved taxpayers who prevail will be entitled to reimbursement of their attorney’s fees and legal costs.

Img credit: Nicolas Raymond/Flickr

 

Jp Cortez is the Executive Director for the Sound Money Defense League, a non-partisan, national public policy group working to restore sound money at the state and federal level, and lead author of the Sound Money Index.

 

Sound Money Advocates in Wyoming Introduce Bill to Establish Gold Reserve

by Jp Cortez, Sound Money Defense League

Lawmakers in Wyoming have introduced legislation today to create the “Wyoming Gold Reserve.”

Introduced by sound money champion Senator Bob Ide (R-Casper), Senate File 96 amends and further implements the Wyoming Legal Tender Act, a popular 2018 law that had removed all tax liability from gold and silver transactions and affirmed that the monetary metals are legal tender in Wyoming.

Senate File 96 prompts the Wyoming state treasurer to hold “not less than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in specie and specie legal tender between and across all state managed accounts...”

The bill calls for the state to hold gold as an asset to help the Cowboy State hedge against its high exposure to Federal Reserve note dollars and potentially invest in precious metals leases and bonds, if market conditions warrant.

According to Sen. Ide, “Wyoming doesn’t own a single ounce of gold, putting our state’s finances and citizens at risk. International countries’ central banks all over the world, and even neighboring Utah and other states across the U.S., have started to seek alternatives to the U.S. Dollar. Gold and silver have been a reliable store of value for thousands of years.”

The legislation grants the treasurer authority over contracting for services with established firms and experts to assist with the duties, and requires financial disclosures along with any other requirements specified by law.

Additionally, the bill calls for the state treasurer to “conduct a study analyzing the role of precious metals in augmenting, stabilizing and ensuring the economic security and prosperity of the state and the families, residents and businesses of the state.”

The study explicitly includes “a review of methods for the state to begin accepting gold and silver as a payment medium.”

Results of the study shall be submitted to the joint revenue interim committee and select committee on financing and investments not later than Oct 1, 2025.

Wyoming is one of several states expected to introduce legislation regarding gold reserves in 2025. Tennessee and Utah recently passed similar measures, and this week, New Hampshire introduced House Bill 302, a bill that allows the state treasurer to invest up to 10% of the total amount of public funds in gold, silver, platinum, and some digital currencies.

Img credit: Skunkcrew/Wikimedia Commons

 

Jp Cortez is the Executive Director for the Sound Money Defense League, a non-partisan, national public policy group working to restore sound money at the state and federal level, and lead author of the Sound Money Index.

 

Legislation Introduced in Virginia to Keep Gold and Silver Tax Free

by Jp Cortez, Sound Money Defense League

Virginia currently exempts precious metals purchases from state sales tax, however this exemption is set to expire in June of this year. House Bill 2336 aims to extend the current law on gold and silver.

Introduced by 2022’s “Sound Money Legislator of the Year” Del. Amanda Batten (96-R), House Bill 2336 would maintain current law by extending the existing sales tax exemption on the purchases of precious metals purchases until 2032.

If this measure fails, and this exemption is therefore allowed to expire, Virginia citizens seeking to protect their savings against the devaluation of the dollar would be immediately harmed – not to mention an entire industry of small precious metals dealers that would be worse off.

House Bill 2336, which would extend the Virginia sales tax exemption on the monetary metals to 2032, should be approved for several reasons:

• Levying sales taxes on precious metals is inappropriate. Sales taxes are typically levied on final consumer goods. Computers, shirts, and shoes carry sales taxes because the consumer is "consuming" the good. Precious metals are inherently held for resale, not "consumption," making the application of sales taxes on precious metals inappropriate.

• Studies have shown that taxing precious metals is an inefficient form of revenue collection. The results of one study involving Michigan show that any sales tax proceeds a state collects on precious metals are likely surpassed by the state revenue lost from conventions, businesses, and economic activity that are driven out of the state.

The harm is exacerbated when you consider that many of Virginia’s neighbors (Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina) have already stopped taxing gold and silver. 45 states have now fully or partially ended this tax.

• Taxing gold and silver harms in-state businesses. It’s a competitive marketplace, so buyers will take their business to neighboring states, such as Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina (which have eliminated or reduced sales tax on precious metals), thereby undermining Virginia jobs. Levying sales tax on precious metals harms in-state businesses who will lose business to out-of-state precious metals dealers. Investors in Richmond can easily avoid paying $120.40 in sales taxes, for example, on a $2,800 purchase of a one-ounce gold bar.

• Taxing precious metals is unfair to certain savers and investors. Gold and silver are held as forms of savings and investment. Virginia does not tax the purchase of stocks, bonds, ETFs, currencies, and other financial instruments. 

• Taxing precious metals is harmful to citizens attempting to protect their assets. Purchasers of precious metals aren't fat-cat investors. Most who buy precious metals do so in small increments as a way of saving money. Precious metals investors are purchasing precious metals as a way to preserve their wealth against the damages of inflation. Inflation harms the poorest among us, including pensioners, Virginians on fixed incomes, wage earners, savers, and more.

In 2016, the state of Louisiana experimented briefly with slapping sales taxes on precious metals purchases. The state quickly reversed course only one year later -- and reinstated the exemption on precious metals -- because businesses, coin conventions, and state tax revenues were leaving the state.

The Sound Money Defense League strongly supports and is actively working with lawmakers in Virginia to ensure passage of this important measure.

Img credit: Nicolas Raymond/Flickr

 

Jp Cortez is the Executive Director for the Sound Money Defense League, a non-partisan, national public policy group working to restore sound money at the state and federal level, and lead author of the Sound Money Index.

 

Mass Shooters by Race

Demographics of Assailants 1966-2024

by Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Report Highlights: Black and white males, excluding gang violence, have the highest rates of mass shootings among demographic groups, with 0.09 incidents per 100,000 people.

• White Americans committed 53% of the 195 mass shootings between 1966 and 2024.

• Black Americans committed 21% of all targeted mass public shootings between 1966 and 2024.

• Across all racial groups, 98% of mass shooters are male, with no female mass shooters reported among Asians and Latinos.

Related Data Studies: Gun-Free School Zone Laws and School Shootings | Gun Violence Among Black Americans | Gun Violence Deaths in the U.S.

Methodology

• Defining Mass Shootings: There is no standard definition for mass shootings in the United States. Mass shootings, as defined in this article, are public shootings with four or more deaths, excluding the shooter, and do not include gang or family violence.
• Data Sourcing: All data sourced in this article come from verifiable sources and are cross-referenced with similar datasets to ensure accuracy.
• Data Analysis: Upon sourcing data from reputable resources, all data were compiled using census bureau data to examine per capita rates (per 100,000).

Mass Shootings by Shooters Race

Since 1966, the United States has experienced 195 targeted mass shootings (as of October 2024).

Of these incidents, 53% were committed by White Americans, 21% by Black Americans, 9% by Latinos, 7% by Asians, 4% by Middle Easterners, and 1% by Native Americans.

How Many Mass Shootings by White Americans

From 1966 to 2024, White Americans (both male and female) committed 103 of the 195 recorded mass shootings in the U.S., accounting for 53% of these incidents.

With White Americans making up 58% of the U.S. population, their rate of committing mass shootings stands at 0.05 per 100,000 people.

How Many Mass Shootings by White Men

White men, who make up 31% of the U.S. population, have committed 51% (101) of all mass shootings since 1966, with a rate of 0.09 per 100,000 people.

During this period, only one White female and one confirmed White transgender individual were reported to have committed a mass shooting.

How Many Mass Shootings by Black Americans

Black Americans, comprising 13% of the U.S. population, accounted for 21% (41) of all mass shootings between 1966 and 2024, with a rate of 0.09 per 100,000 people.

Of these 41 incidents, only one involved a female shooter.

How Many Mass Shootings by Latinos

Latinos make up 19% of the U.S. population and were responsible for 9% (18) of mass shootings between 1966 and 2024, with a rate of 0.03 per 100,000 people.

All reported Hispanic shooters during this period were male.

How Many Mass Shootings by Asians

Asians, who make up 6% of the U.S. population, accounted for 7% (13) of all mass shootings in the U.S. from 1966 to 2024, with a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 people.

All reported Asian mass shooters during this period were male.

How Many Mass Shootings by Native Americans

Native Americans, representing 1% of the U.S. population, were responsible for 2% (3) of all mass shootings between 1966 and 2024, with a rate of 0.09 per 100,000 people.

Among these incidents, two shooters were male, and one was female.

Mass Shootings and Race

Nearly three-quarters of all mass shootings in the U.S. have taken place since 1993, with White males responsible for more incidents than any other demographic group.

However, on a per capita basis, Black and White Americans have higher rates of mass shootings.

Overall, the racial distribution of mass shooters aligns closely with each group’s population size, indicating that no single demographic commits these acts at a disproportionately higher rate than others.

Sources

1. Number of Mass Shootings in the U.S. by Race between 1982 and September 2024
2. Public Mass Shootings: Database Amasses Details of a Half Century of U.S. Mass Shootings with Firearms
3. The Violence Project: Mass Shooters
4. U.S. Census Bureau: Quick Facts

2024 in Review – What a Year

January

A tone was set when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin disappeared for several days in early January.  He had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Walter Reed Hospital due to complications from cancer surgery.  Three days later the Department of Defense told the Biden White House about it.  Meanwhile, a war was going on in the Middle East that began with the October 7, 2023 massacre and kidnapping of Israeli civilians by Hamas.  The communications mishap seemed to show that neither President Biden nor Secretary Austen were essential to the functioning of our government or the defense of our country.

February

In February Special Counsel Robert Hur released his report on President Biden's improper retention of classified records.  Classified documents had been discovered in the offices of the Penn Biden Center think tank in Washington, D.C., inside the garage of the Biden’s home in Wilmington, and in the home itself.  Hur recommended against prosecution even though his investigation "uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen."

This was an administration embarrassment for two reasons.  Hur's report was released during the prosecution of President Donald Trump for retaining documents from his presidency, highlighting once again the sharp contrast in the DOJ's treatment of Democrats and its treatment of Republicans, particularly Donald J. Trump and those who support him.  And secondly, Hur's description of Biden as "sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory" and the challenge of convicting Biden "of a serious felony that requires a mental state of willfulness" reinforced a picture of Biden as so lacking in mental capacity that to inform him of his Defense Secretary's hospitalization would have been pointless.

March

The House Administration Subcommittee on Oversight discovered that Liz Cheney and the January 6 Committee hid exonerating evidence from the public.  Cheney claimed there was no evidence to support Trump's offer of 10,000 National Guard troops to help at the Capitol on January 6.  Except that there was a transcribed interview of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Anthony Ornato who testified under oath that those National Guard troops were offered to D.C. Mayor Bowser, and Bowser turned them down.  The January 6 Committee also hid testimony that contradicted Cassidy Hutchinson's bizarres claim that Trump overpowered a Secret Service agent and grabbed the wheel of his SUV in an attempt to join the protesters at the Capitol.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by a cargo ship.  At about 1:25 am on March 26th, the MV Dali, a container ship registered in Singapore, lost power and drifted into one of the bridge piers.  Six roadwork construction workers were killed.  The Port of Baltimore was shut down and remained closed until June.  Rebuilding the bridge is expected to cost about $2 billion and could take about four years to complete.

April

On April 8th a total eclipse of the sun was seen from downtown Colebrook, New Hampshire.  The mid-afternoon dusk was an eerie sight from the Main Street bridge over the Mohawk River.  You might think post-eclipse traffic wouldn't be much of a problem in the backwoods of northern New Hampshire, but it seemed no matter which way we went, we were creeping along bumper to bumper, and sometimes not even creeping.  We left Main Street Colebrook as the sun began to reappear around 3:30 in the afternoon, but that was not soon enough to get us back to our stay in Jackson before 8:30 that evening.  It's normally an hour and a half drive.  The good news is we were back in time to catch the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship game in which the UConn Huskies defeated Purdue 75-60.  UConn, the Hartford Branch actually, is one of my Alma Maters.  I even got to play a semester of basketball there, great fun but nowhere near championship level.

O.J. Simpson died of cancer at the age of 76.  After winning the Heisman Trophy, Simpson went on to an illustrious 11-year NFL football career.  But in 1995 Simpson was tried for the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.  He was acquitted of the murders, but in a subsequent civil trial he was found liable for their wrongful deaths.  In 2008 Simpson was convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery over a dispute with two sports memorabilia dealers in Las Vegas. He served nearly nine years in prison before being paroled in 2017.

May

On May 31st Donald Trump was convicted on 34 charges of falsifying company documents in an historic criminal trial in New York.  A stripper with the stage-name Stormy Daniels demanded $300,000 from Trump or she would go public with accusations of an affair.  Trump denied that an affair ever happened but agreed to the payment rather than subject his wife Melania to public humiliation.  A Non-Disclosure Agreement between Trump and Daniels was drawn up, payment was made and entered into Trump's books as a legal expense.  NDAs are legal and common, but New York D.A. Alvin Bragg charged that by listing the payment as a legal expense rather than a campaign expense, Trump was violating a New York state law.  The Federal Election Commission did not consider the payment a campaign expense, but New York's Soros-backed D.A. and the judge on the case teamed up for a conviction.  The Daily Mail reported a six-point approval bump for Donald Trump after he was found guilty.

June

Hunter Biden was convicted on felony charges related to the purchase of a revolver in 2018.  Biden, son of the president, lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.  President Biden issued a statement shortly after the verdict saying he would accept the outcome and respect the judicial process.

Willie Mays, one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, passed away at the age of 93.  He broke into the majors in 1951 with the New York Giants.  Mays played in the Major Leagues for 23 seasons, starting in New York, moving with the team to San Francisco in 1958, and then back to New York with the Mets in 1972.  Over his Major League career Mays collected 3,293 hits, 1,909 RBI, 660 home runs, 339 stolen bases, with a lifetime batting average of .301.

President Joe Biden squared off against former President Donald Trump in a debate later described as a train-wreck.  Biden's disastrous performance effectively put an end to a three and a half year coverup of his declining mental and physical capacities.

Significant Supreme Court rulings came down in June.  SCOTUS ruled that laws against sleeping on public property do not constitute “cruel and unusual punishment” of the homeless, and are therefore not prohibited by the Eighth Amendment.  The court overruled its 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, which held that courts should defer to regulating agencies' interpretations of ambiguous statutes.  Overturning the Chevron decision could have the very beneficial effect of curbing regulatory overreach.

July

The Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump was entitled to absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts with his core constitutional powers, the presumption of immunity on acts within the outer perimeter of official duties, and no immunity for unofficial acts.  The decision compelled prosecutors to determine which of Trump's actions were official or unofficial, it altered the scope of some prosecutions, and delayed cases until after the November 5th election.

At a July 13th campaign rally in Butler, PA, Thomas Matthew Crooks took several shots at Donald Trump with an AR-15.  While Crooks succeeded only in clipping Trump's outer ear, he killed firefighter Corey Comperatore and wounded two others who attended the rally that day.  When Trump realized what happened he stood up and urged the crowd to "Fight!  Fight!  Fight!"  The attempt on Trump's life and his response to it virtually assured his re-election.  It was Trump's reaction under fire that inspired Elon Musk to publicly support Trump.  Crooks was immediately shot and killed.  His body was cremated within 10 days.

On July 21st Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race and endorsed Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic candidate for president.  Biden's late withdrawal from the race combined with his endorsement of Harris made it impossible for the Democrats to choose a stronger candidate.  Harris became the new Democratic candidate for president.

August

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz were officially nominated as the Democratic Party's choices for President and Vice President, respectively, at the Democratic National Convention held from August 19th to 22nd in Chicago.

Ryan Wesley Routh was apprehended after attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.  Routh left a note that said, “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you.  I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job.”

September

Hunter Biden pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of willful failure to pay federal taxes on $1.5 million in unreported income.

There was a second U.S. presidential debate, this time between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.  The debate was hosted by ABC in Philadelphia.  It pitted David Muir, anchor of "World News Tonight," Linsey Davis, anchor of ABC News Live "Prime," and Kamala Harris against Trump. Most commentators gave the Harris-Muir-Davis team the win.

A devastating category 4 hurricane named Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, causing widespread destruction across 10 states and leading to at least 250 deaths.  On September 28th Western North Carolina became a disaster area because of the high winds, heavy rain, and flooding from Helene.  An estimated 126,000 homes across the state were damaged or destroyed and an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 homes completely destroyed.

October

Hurricane Milton arrived on the shores of Florida as a powerful Category 3 storm, bringing powerful winds, deadly storm surge and potential flooding to much of the state. As it moved across the state, the hurricane was downgraded to a Category 2 storm, damaging power infrastructure and leaving two-million Florida customers without power.

Donald Trump engaged in some ingenious campaign trolling.  When Harris critics could find no evidence that she ever worked McDonald's as a teenager, Trump staged a campaign event at a privately owned McDonald's in Pennsylvania, making fries and working the drive up window for about 15 minutes.

When a comedian made a tasteless joke at the Republican National Convention about Puerto Rico's severe garbage problem (“There’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now. I think it’s called Puerto Rico.”), President Biden spoke out on it, saying that the only garbage he could see is Trump supporters.  Some claim that Biden was misunderstood.  The next thing you know, Trump shows up at a campaign rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin riding in a garbage truck which sported a large American flag and a Trump-Vance campaign flag.

November

On November 5, 2024 Donald J. Trump, the 45th President of the United States, was re-elected to become the 47th President of the United States winning the popular vote, every battleground state, and the electoral college in a landslide.  Fox News called the race for Donald Trump at 1:46 am Eastern Standard Time the next morning.  This is the second time in history that a president has been re-elected in non-consecutive terms.  Grover Cleveland was the 22nd President of the United States and also the 24th.

Trump completed the selection of his major cabinet, staff, and other important appointments by November 26th.  Those requiring congressional confirmation almost immediately began their visits to Capital Hill.

December

President Biden pardoned his son Hunter for his conviction on gun charges and his guilty plea for tax evasion.  But the pardon extended to all crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014 through December 1, 2024.  This includes anything that may have happened while he sat on the Burisma Board of Directors.  This has the potential to come back to bite Joe.  At Hunter's trial on gun charges, the Laptop from Hell was entered into evidence by the prosecution and validated by FBI testimony.  Emails referring noting the Hunter was to hold "10% for the big guy" were found to be authentic.  If Hunter is ever called to testify about anyone else involved in the crimes for which he was pardoned, he may not plead the 5th.

With the help of Elon and X, Americans were able to force Speaker Mike Johnson to keep his promise of no more Continuing Resolution omnibus bills.  A 1,547-page bill was rejected

Western North Carolina remains a disaster area three months after Helene made landfall.  There is anecdotal evidence that FEMA assistance has been slow and inefficient in reaching folks impacted by the disaster.  At a time when the federal government is providing hotel vouchers and cash for illegal immigrants and sending billions to Ukraine, people in Western North Carolina are sleeping in tents, and the homeless are still in the streets.

2025

As we begin 2025 there is a sense of optimism.  The media, trumpeting the inevitability of America's collapse if Trump won the White House, went largely ignored.  We already knew the threat posed by Donald Trump because we had been through his first presidency.  Until the Covid-19 crisis hit we enjoyed years of economic growth, record low unemployment for minorities, low inflation, and relative peace.  Russia, Iran, and Hamas knew better than to act up while Trump was in charge.

The censorship that proliferated during Covid-19 has been somewhat cowed.  People are feeling a little easier about saying what they really think.  Thanks to Elon Musk and X, there is less worry of being cancelled or fired for voicing an unapproved opinion.

From the time Trump rode down the elevator to announce his first run for president, his promise has been to give the country back to the people.  We don't know how successful he will be.  But we do know this.  The power of the government has been used and abused to stop him. 

• His 2016 campaign was illegally spied on by the intelligence agencies.
• The FBI leaked the Steele Dossier as evidence of Trump supposedly colluding with Russia to fix the 2016 presidential election.
• The dossier accused Trump of cavorting with prostitutes in a Moscow hotel. 
• There were accusations of a connection between a Trump email server and a Russian bank. 
• Robert Mueller was appointed Special Counsel but his investigation could not establish Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.
  
• Trump was impeached twice and acquitted twice.

Accusations proved to be false, but Trump was under attack throughout his term of office.  After Trump left the White House in January of 2021, the FBI executed an armed raid on Mar-a-Lago as part of an investigation into Trump's handling of presidential documents even though negotiations with the National Archives into their proper disposition were in process at the time. 

After Trump's November 2022 announcement of his intentions to run for president in 2024, criminal indictments began to be filed against him. 

• In March 2023 Trump was indicted under New York law for entering payment for a non-disclosure agreement with Stormy Daniels as legal expense rather than campaign expense.  The Federal Election Commission did not consider the payment to be campaign expense, but Trump was found guilty anyway.  Sentencing was postponed indefinitely after his electoral victory over Kamala Harris.
  
• In June 2023 Trump was indicted for mishandling of classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. The case has been dismissed.
• In August 2023 Trump was indicted with 18 of his allies for attempts to overturn Biden's victory in Georgia.  The prosecutor has been removed over ethics violations, and her office has no authority to continue the case.
  
• In August 2023 Trump was indicted for attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and incitement in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.  This case has been dismissed.
• Many charges against Trump were dropped and cases delayed when the Supreme Court ruled that presidents are entitled to a varying degrees of immunity for official acts.

All of this is reason for hope in America.  Trump said he will give the country back to the people, and now look at everything that was done to stop him – investigations, impeachments, criminal indictments and assassination attempts.  Yet here is Donald Trump.  He is not in prison, not dead, not broke, and definitely not broken.  He could not be stopped.  Donald Trump has won the presidency again to finish the job he started in 2017.  Given his track record, my bet is on Trump to Make America Great Again.  And We the People... will help.

Why Do Americans Own Guns in 2024?

The Complexity of Demographics and Gun Ownership

By Cassandra McBride, Ammo.com

Report Highlights: 72% of American gun owners list protection as a primary reason for owning a firearm, a sentiment shared across all demographics.

• Americans aged 35 to 65 are more likely than other age groups to own firearms for protection, hunting, and recreational shooting.

• Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to own guns for ideological reasons compared to other racial groups.

• White Americans are more likely to own guns for home protection, hunting, and recreational shooting.

Related Studies: Gun Ownership by Gender in 2024 | How Many Gun Owners Are in America? | Gun Facts in the U.S. 2024

Methodology

Gun ownership in America is widespread, but the reasons for owning firearms vary based on factors like race, age, and gender. The following sections examine various reports and surveys to provide accurate and well-rounded insights.

We cross-referenced the latest studies and surveys to deliver reliable information. However, self-reported surveys may not fully capture the views of every individual within each demographic.

Why Do Americans Own Guns?

Americans cite five primary reasons for owning a gun:

1. Protection
2. Hunting
3. Sport Shooting
4. Collecting
5. Work

The majority (72%) name protection as their main reason, while 19% consider it a secondary reason. Only 9% of Americans state that protection is not a reason for owning a firearm. ¹

Reasons Americans Own Guns by Age

Americans aged 35 to 64 are most likely to own guns for home protection (92.5%), while those aged 18 to 34 are more likely to own guns for protection outside the home (89.1%).

Individuals aged 18 to 34 are less likely than older age groups to own firearms for recreational purposes (84.5%). 88.4% of those aged 35 to 64 are more likely to own them for recreational and sporting purposes.

Americans over 35 are more likely to own guns for hunting. 74.5% of Americans aged 35 to 64 own firearms for hunting compared to individuals aged 18 to 34 (69.8%).

Protection and recreational use are the two most common reasons for owning a gun among all age groups.

Reasons Americans Own Guns by Race

Although protection is the primary reason Americans own guns, Hispanics and individuals of other races report owning guns for this purpose at higher rates (95.8% and 94.8%, respectively). Among black American gun owners, 93.4% cite home protection, while 88.8% of white Americans report the same reason.

White Americans are more likely to own guns for protection outside the home, while Black Americans and Hispanics are less likely to own firearms for this purpose.

White Americans are more likely to own guns for hunting and sport shooting compared to other races, while Black Americans are less likely to own firearms for these activities than any other racial group. ²

Ideological Reasons for Owning Guns by Race

Cultural and ideological reasons to own a gun are also apparent among races. Black Americans are more likely to cite protection from police, at public events, and protection at demonstrations, rallies, or against people with opposing beliefs than all other races.

White Americans are less likely to own firearms for ideological reasons. ²

Reasons for Gun Ownership by Gender

American men are more likely than women to own a firearm for home protection (91.4%). In contrast, American women are more likely than men to own a gun for protection outside the home (86%). ²

Men are more likely to own a firearm for hunting and recreational shooting than women.

Reasons Americans Own Guns: Wrap-Up

Most Americans own guns for personal protection, both at home and away from home. White and middle-aged Americans are more likely to own firearms for hunting and recreational shooting compared to other racial groups.

Men are more likely than women to own firearms for various purposes, including protection, hunting, and recreational shooting.

Overall, gun ownership trends reveal significant differences in motivations based on gender, race, and age, with protection being the leading reason across all demographics.

Sources

1. For Most U.S. Gun Owners, Protection is the Main Reason They Own a Gun
2. Reasons for Gun Ownership Among Demographically Diverse New and Prior Gun Owners
3. There’s a Reason African American Gun Ownership is Rising