A new analysis of federal mortality data reveals a decline in gun homicides last year even as firearm suicides climbed to record levels, underscoring the divergent nature of America’s gun death crisis.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions examined 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, finding 44,447 firearm-related deaths overall—down 5% from the previous year but still 9% above the pandemic-era peak of 2021.

Firearm homicides fell nearly 16% in 2024, while firearm suicides reached an all-time high. Suicides accounted for 62% of all gun deaths, totaling 27,593, compared to 15,364 homicide deaths.

The data underscores a persistent public health challenge: guns remained the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1-17 for the fifth consecutive year. Researchers documented 2,214 firearm deaths among that age group in 2024.

Men accounted for 86% of firearm deaths nationally. The data also highlighted troubling trends among women of color. Black women’s firearm homicide rate surged 63% between 2015 and 2024, while their suicide rate jumped 169% over the same span. Asian or Pacific Islander women saw a 39% increase in homicide rates and 57% in suicide rates during that period. Hispanic or Latina women experienced a 31% rise in homicides and 51% in suicides.

For white women, the increases were smaller but still evident: a 2% uptick in homicide rates and 4% in suicide rates between 2015 and 2024.

The findings come as policymakers at federal and state levels continue debating approaches to firearm violence. Some emphasize mental health services and suicide prevention, while others focus on enforcement of existing laws and protecting Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens.

The decline in homicides offers a glimmer of progress, though experts caution that firearm deaths remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. The record suicide figures suggest that addressing the mental health component of gun deaths will be critical to further reducing the overall toll.

Idaho’s own firearm death trends have drawn scrutiny from state officials and federal law enforcement. The state has worked to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and coordination with federal agencies on issues ranging from illegal immigration to election security.