Gun Violence on the Rise in Texas amid Loose Laws by the Government in the Last Decade

Gun violence has been one of the major problems in the U.S., and Texas particularly, with incidents rising sharply over the past decade. Gun deaths in the state rose 46% between 2012 and 2021 which is way more than the national increase (39%). Gun-related homicides increased by 91% and gun-related suicides by 25%, both of which were much higher than the 73% and 19% national averages. These numbers highlight the alarming reality of Texas's gun violence problem, which is spreading at an alarming rate. 

The Cost of Gun Violence 

In addition to the terrible death toll, Texas's gun violence has a huge financial cost. The societal cost of gun violence in the state is $51.3 billion annually or $1,769 that each Texan bears. $1.1 billion of this is paid for by taxpayers. These expenses strain public resources, affecting healthcare, law enforcement, and the economy. The societal cost of gun violence per capita in Texas is ranked 28th in the United States, underscoring the extensive effects on the state's public health and economic resources. 

Gun Deaths by Intent 

In Texas, homicides and gun suicides account for the majority of firearm-related fatalities. Typically, 38% of gun-related deaths are homicides and 58% are suicides. These figures are consistent with national patterns, which show that 40% of gun deaths are homicides and 57% are suicides. In Texas, gun-related incidents result in approximately 4,000 fatalities and 5,556 injuries annually. Every year, 2,329 of these deaths are suicides, while 1,575 are homicides. These numbers illustrate the diverse ways gun violence impacts communities, from homicides to personal tragedies like suicide. 

Firearm Deaths Among Children and Teens

The toll that gun violence has on Texas's youth is among the most concerning developments. With an average of 430 children and teenagers dying from firearms each year, guns are currently the greatest cause of death for this age group. Out of these, 58% are homicides and 36% are suicides. Young lives are at risk nationwide, particularly in Texas, where 33% of gun deaths among minors are suicides and 62% are homicides. 

Gun-violence among children and teens is a growing concern in Texas

Impact of Texas Gun Laws

Texas has been working to loosen its gun regulations for decades, and this has corresponded with an increase in gun violence. The state has enacted more than 100 legislation to increase gun rights since the middle of the 1990s. This includes the controversial 'stand your ground' law in 2007, associated with an 8-11% rise in homicides. Governor Greg Abbott's signing of a "constitutional carry" bill into law in 2021 was the biggest change, enabling Texans to carry handguns without a permit or training. Other laws have prohibited hotels from limiting gun ownership on their grounds and prohibited schools from dismissing students for carrying firearms. 

The increase in gun violence is probably a result of these regulations being loosened. According to studies, there are typically more gun-related fatalities in states with laxer gun laws. For example, Stanford University research revealed that within ten years of enacting right-to-carry laws, states like Texas had a 13–15% greater rate of violent crime. In 2007, Texas also passed a rule known as "stand your ground," which has been connected to an 8–11% rise in monthly homicide rates in states with comparable legislation. 

Cultural and Social Factors

Experts concur that legislative changes aren't the only factor contributing to the rise in gun violence. Economic, social, and cultural aspects are also important. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant societal unrest, which in turn increased violence in general, including gun violence. Additionally, the public's growing sense of agitation and anxiety may have been fueled by a growing mistrust of institutions, including the government and the media, which in turn encouraged gun purchase and use. 

Gun Violence as a Public Health Crisis

In many respects, gun violence behaves like a public health concern, especially when it comes to suicides. A cycle of gun violence that extends throughout communities is frequently caused by exposure to more gun violence. Giffords Law Center policy director Lindsay Nichols refers to this tendency as a "contagion," meaning that victims of gun violence are more likely to go on to commit crimes in the future.

Texas's rising gun death rates are a result of both more general social issues and looser gun regulations. Although some Texans contend that defending constitutional liberties requires extending gun rights, the growing death toll indicates the urgent need for well-rounded, fact-based policies that put public safety first. As long as these patterns continue, the discussion about how to address gun violence in Texas is probably going to get more heated.