Gun Violence in New Mexico

In the last 6 months, our community has experienced a total of 6,891 gunshot detection incidents. Notably, Saturdays and Sunday nights stand out as the peak periods for such incidents. The hours between 23:00 and 03:00 show the highest frequency of gunshots. Specifically, Fridays average 866 incidents, Saturdays have accounted for 1,291 incidents, while Sundays have seen 1,267 incidents, making weekends particularly concerning for gun violence in our area. These statistics underscore the need for targeted efforts to address gun violence during these critical times and days to enhance public safety and reduce such incidents in our community.

• Between 2010 & 2021, the age-adjusted firearm death rate in New Mexico increased by 87% (from 14.9 per 100,000 population in 2010 to 27.8 per 100,000 population in 2021).
• Between 2010 & 2021, New Mexico’s rank increased from 7th highest in the U.S. to 3rd highest in the U.S.
• In 2010, New Mexico’s age-adjusted firearm death rate was 48% higher than the U.S. In 2021, New Mexico’s age-adjusted firearm death rate was 90% higher than the U.S.

Between 2018 and 2021, New Mexico had an increase in the age-adjusted death rate for firearm fatalities including:

• 34% increase in firearm fatalities (from 20.7 per 100,000 population in 2018 to 27.8 per 100,000 population in 2021)
• 10% increase in suicide with a firearm (from 12.6 per 100,000 population in 2018 to 13.9 per 100,000 population in 2021)
• 70% increase in homicide with a firearm (from 6.9 per 100,000 population in 2018 to 11.7 per 100,000 population in 2021)

• Firearm injury emergency department visits have increased by 35% between 2018 and 2022 (from 968 visits in 2018 to 1306 visits in 2022)

The number of firearm injury emergency department visits is a critical metric for combating gun violence. These visits provide valuable data that can inform evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at reducing gun-related harm. By understanding the frequency and nature of firearm injuries treated in emergency departments, public health officials can identify trends, hotspots, and high-risk populations. This information is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies, raising awareness, and allocating resources effectively. Moreover, it underscores the urgent need to address gun violence as a public health crisis, focusing on both the physical and psychological trauma inflicted by firearms to create safer communities and ultimately save lives.

• The grey bar is the percent (of the age group) in the New Mexico population
• The solid purple bar is the percent (of age group) that had a firearm injury emergency department visit
• New Mexico residents who are aged 18-49 are at increased risk for firearm injury emergency department visits relative to their percentage in the NM population

Examining the percentage of firearm injury visits by age group in New Mexico is crucial in the effort to combat gun violence. This data helps identify vulnerable populations and age-specific patterns of firearm-related injuries, aiding in the development of targeted prevention and intervention programs. By understanding which age groups are most affected, public health officials can tailor education, outreach, and support services accordingly. Additionally, it provides insights into the underlying factors contributing to gun violence within specific age cohorts, informing policies that address not only the immediate consequences of firearm injuries but also the root causes, ultimately working toward a safer society for all age groups.

This data sheds light on the impact of firearms on our youngest and most vulnerable population, providing crucial insights into the circumstances and factors contributing to these injuries. By understanding the specific dynamics surrounding child firearm injuries, public health officials can develop targeted prevention strategies, gun safety education programs, and policies aimed at securing firearms in households with children. Such initiatives are vital for safeguarding our youth and mitigating the long-term physical and psychological consequences of childhood firearm injuries, ultimately working towards a safer environment for our children.

This granular data enables public health experts to track trends over time, identifying any shifts in firearm-related injuries among specific age groups within this vulnerable population. By discerning these patterns, policymakers can develop targeted interventions and educational campaigns aimed at preventing child firearm injuries. This approach is essential for creating safer environments for children and addressing the unique challenges and risks they face concerning gun violence, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive strategy to reduce firearm-related harm among youth.

Over the past two years, firearm injury emergency department visits have:

• increased by 18% for males age 1-13 (from 28 to 32)
• increased by 20% for females age 1-13 (from 10 to 12)
• increased by 25% for males age 14-17 (from 91 to 114)
• dropped by 9% for females age 14-17 (from 22 to 20)

This data allows us to understand how different demographic groups are impacted by firearm-related incidents, identifying disparities and high-risk populations. By pinpointing where and why these injuries occur, public health officials can tailor prevention strategies, educational programs, and targeted interventions that address the specific needs of each group. Ultimately, this approach contributes to a more effective and comprehensive effort to reduce gun violence, working towards safer communities for individuals of all ages and genders.