Delaware is a small state and it is important that we maintain our own voice. In Delaware, gun laws are relatively lenient.

States with stricter gun control have seen a very obvious decline in violent crime,  according to statistics on the CDC website, in 2019 more than 50% of homicides in Delaware were directly gun-related. We can see in states like California, which is considered the state with the strictest gun laws, they have the 7th lowest gun violence rate. Overall, stricter gun control leads to a decline in firearm-related incidents which makes a safer environment for everyone.

Statistics from Giffords Center to Prevent Gun Violence, show that unintentional shootings in America caused the deaths of over 600 people in 2010. This could be easily prevented through more thorough training before being allowed to own a gun and more intensive background checks to ensure people who shouldn’t have a gun cant buy one. Based on a study done at Vittana, 30% of these unintentional deaths could be prevented by a childproof lock and a loading indicator on the gun.

We can fix it by making guns unable to purchase without a more thorough background check, selling guns with the proper equipment to store them safely, and doing more intensive training to ensure people know the danger of these weapons. With this, mental health evaluations should be required to get a gun.

In short, creating a more proper, regulated culture around purchasing guns would be beneficial for all Delawareans. Everyone benefits through stricter gun regulations, and a safer state.