We just received the newest data on gun violence in America for the first half of 2026, and the findings show exactly why our movement cannot afford to slow down.
First, the encouraging news: Shooting deaths and injuries have hit historic lows. Thanks to community violence intervention programs, federal funding, and the relentless organizing of youth activists like you, shooting deaths dropped to 1.9 per 100,000 Americans — the lowest number since 2015.
Our efforts are saving lives. But the data also reveals a dangerous counter-trend.
For the first time in six years, gun sales are ticking back up. An estimated 7.3 million firearms were sold in the U.S. in the first six months of this year alone. In states like Virginia and Rhode Island, gun sales skyrocketed by 73% and 86% as the gun lobby triggered panic-buying in response to new, common-sense gun safety laws.
On top of that, mass shootings have seen a slight increase compared to last year, ghost guns remain stubbornly prevalent, and our communities are still feeling the devastating toll of this crisis every single day.
Kendall, the gun industry is working overtime to flood our communities with more weapons. We cannot let them reverse the historic progress we’ve fought so hard to achieve.
The data proves that when we organize, we win. Lives are being saved because we refuse to accept gun violence as normal. But as long as millions of new guns are pouring onto our streets, our youth-led movement has to stay louder and stronger than ever.
Thank you for standing with us in this fight.
— March For Our Lives
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