Firearm Suicides Reach Record High in 2022

Pandemic exacerbating risk factors, with all racial and ethnic groups seeing an increase, and American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing the highest rate increase.

Suicides by firearm have reached an all-time high, increasing 11% between 2019 and 2022, with an estimated 27,024 Americans dying of suicide by firearm in 2022.
All race/ethnicity groups saw firearm suicide rates increase from 2019 to 2022, with American Indian and Alaska Native people experiencing the highest rate increase, at 66%.
The highest firearm suicide rates in 2022 were observed among white people, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native people.
Experts suggest the pandemic may have exacerbated known risk factors for depression and suicide such as social isolation and relationship stressors, as well as substance abuse.
Researchers suggest promoting secure firearm storage, as well as providing counseling and social services, as ways to potentially help reduce firearm suicides.