100 gun deaths a day, about half suicides, most of them men

There are more than 100 firearms deaths every single day across the country, according to CDC data. A report shows firearm fatalities reached a 28-year high.

The deaths linked to gun violence have trended upward as weapons sales increased nationwide, researchers found. More than 7.5 million people across the country became gun owners for the first time during the pandemic, data shows.

WRAL DataTrackers have been digging into the increase in shootings in our area this year.

The data shows more than 1,800 people in North Carolina from gun deaths in 2021. That’s about 17 people per every 100,000 in the state. About half of those were self-inflicted.

Research published in November notes that when any sort of public health response to firearm violence should consider these differences when addressing the underlying cause of what is driving up gun deaths.

For example, the rate was higher among men. Males made up 85 percent of those who died from firearm incidents which is almost double the state population.

The majority of the people who were killed by firearms were white and not Hispanic. When we look at rates per population, though, people who are Black and American Indian or Native Alaskan were affected more with 30 and 24 deaths, respective, per capita.

There wasn't enough data available to breakdown other demographic backgrounds.

If you're having suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.