New Public Polling Data as SCOTUS Makes Key Ghost Guns Decision |
The Supreme Court defended public safety by upholding federal regulations on ghost guns – untraceable firearms often used in violent crimes. While newly available public polling data from the Center shows ghost gun regulations are extremely popular across the political spectrum. |
In 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) sought to regulate gun-making kits and other gun parts as they would traditionally manufactured firearms, by requiring serial numbers, background checks, and record-keeping. Today’s 7-2 decision in Bondi v. VanDerStok means the regulations can continue.
“The Supreme Court’s decision confirms that gun-making kits and other key pieces can easily be converted to firing guns, and should be regulated in line with other firearms,” says Alex McCourt, Center core faculty member. “This decision means the ATF can continue to carefully regulate gun-making kits and firearm pieces in a way that furthers the original intent of the Gun Control Act of 1968.” |
The Center Releases New Safe Storage Model Policy Guide |
New this month, the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions has compiled research, analysis, and expert guidance into a Safe Storage Model Policy Guide. This document is an important new tool for lawmakers to help write effective safe firearm storage laws and strengthen existing laws.
Safe Storage laws can save lives by preventing unauthorized access to firearms, especially by children and those who pose an increased risk of violence. Data has found that strong Safe Storage policies have led to a 12% reduction in youth firearm suicides, and 13% reduction in unintentional youth firearm deaths. Research has also suggested that between 6% and 32% of all youth firearm deaths could be prevented through strong Safe Storage policies. If properly implemented, these policies could save countless lives.
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Our guide contains 20 recommendations across 4 broad categories: - When Firearms Should be Stored
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How Firearms Should be Stored
- Liability and Public Awareness
- Data and Accountability
Every recommendation has been shown to play a key role in preventing firearm suicide, homicide, unintentional shootings, and other firearm-related injuries.
“Far too many gun owners are not properly storing their firearms when not in use,” says Cass Crifasi, PhD ‘14, MPH, co-director of the Center and contributing author of the guide. “As gun owners, we have a responsibility to store our firearms in a safe and secure manner; it is an effective solution to keep unattended firearms away from children or unauthorized people.” |
“The call came early on a Sunday morning. The voice on the line said, ‘your son is the victim of a homicide.’ I almost asked if he was alright before I could process the meaning. My heart shattered and my soul tore apart from the pain. Then, I had to gather myself and deal with the terrible reality of burial and permanent loss. I give in memory of my husband, who lost our only son to gun violence, so that others don't have to suffer the same pain.”
- Alba, NM
Will you join Alba to help save lives by making a gift today? |
Answering Questions on Public Carry, Permitless Carry, and Stand Your Ground Laws |
Cass Crifasi, PhD ‘14, MPH, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, and Alex McCourt, JD, PhD ‘19, MPH, core faculty member at the Center answer frequently asked questions about regulating the public carry of firearms and the risks associated with permitless carry and Stand Your Ground laws. They emphasize that regulating public firearm carry is essential for reducing firearm violence, as weaker laws are associated with increased risks of crimes, firearm homicides, and shootings by police.
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Sufficiently Analogous Podcast: An Episode for the Ages |
In "Sufficiently Analogous," podcast hosts Kelly Roskam, JD, Tim Carey, JD, and Kari Still, JD examine Second Amendment court challenges to gun safety laws and explore the potential implications of these challenges on public health policies aimed at reducing gun violence. With a focus on providing insightful analysis, the podcast will shed light on the intricate legal issues surrounding gun rights and regulations.
In episode five of “Sufficiently Analogous,” the team spoke with Center core faculty member Alex McCourt, PhD ‘19, MPH, to discuss the public health research behind minimum age firearm regulations. Special guest Professor Megan Walsh, JD, an assistant clinical Professor of Law and the Director of the Gun Violence Prevention Law Clinic at the University of Minnesota Law School, also joins to share her insight on the shifting legal landscape in federal courts in the aftermath of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. V Bruen.
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Driving Solutions to Save Lives Across the Country |
BOTTOM: The Center’s Distinguished Scholar, Daniel Webster, ScD ‘91, MPH, delivered a presentation at a congressional briefing held by the Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The presentation was focused on universal background check laws and their effectiveness in reducing firearm violence. |
TOP RIGHT: Our team joined other gun violence advocates, survivors, and supporters to stand with Texas Gun Sense during their 2025 Advocacy Day. Hundreds of Americans gathered outside the Texas Capitol building to demand action be taken on gun violence across the state. TOP LEFT: The National ERPO Resource Center co-lead Spencer Cantrell, JD, joined the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence to deliver an ERPO training seminar for law enforcement and others. |
Major News Featuring the Center |
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The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
750 E. Pratt St
14th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States |
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