Panel, Conference Presentation
Beyond Gridlock: The Future of Gun Violence Prevention | Milken Institute Global Conference 2024
Milken InstituteRichard Ditizio, Ellen S. Alberding, Ralph Clark, Shereef Elnahal, Nicole Hockley, Francis Suarez, Christopher Griffith
- Gun control legislation is projected to remain at a standstill for decades.
- National homicides are expected to decrease by approximately 12%, while Chicago homicides are anticipated to drop by 16%.
- Reputational risks for corporations engaging in gun issues are considered exaggerated, with no unusual attacks predicted for major retailers like Walmart.
- Significant knowledge gaps currently exist regarding effective interventions for gun homicides and suicides, necessitating increased research and evaluation.
- The goal for veteran suicide is to reduce the total number to zero, as any occurrence is viewed as a national failure.
- The percentage of veteran suicides committed by firearm is expected to rise annually.
- The population of women veterans, currently constituting 12% to 13% of all veterans, is projected to grow each year, with over 72% of their suicides involving firearms.
- Gun lock distribution programs, having already distributed 2 million units since 2021, are expected to continue expanding.
- Innovative projects funded by a $20 million challenge are anticipated to generate new suicide prevention solutions.
- Economic insecurity, including food insecurity and lack of confidence in supporting families, is identified as a major risk factor for gun violence and suicide if unaddressed.
- Approximately half of the 17 daily veteran suicides involve individuals who have never accessed VA services, a trend expected to persist.
- Veterans receiving compensation for service-connected disabilities will likely maintain the lowest suicide rates among veteran populations.
- Gun buybacks are expected to serve as a strategy to remove weapons from circulation and reduce the estimated 20 million ARs currently in the market.
- Technology such as fingerprint and optical systems is expected to be marketed to gun owners for self-limitation and safety.
- Strategies utilizing community violence interrupters and federal prosecution are projected to create a measurable impact, or "dent," on gun violence.
- A coalition of 5,000 individuals is expected to perceive that a child is currently undergoing active shooter drills.
- Data regarding the compounded trauma of children synthesizing active shooter drills remains undefined due to the issue's recency.
- Progress is expected at community and state levels, specifically among the 21 states that have adopted red flag laws.
- Red flag laws are anticipated to continue preventing suicides and mass shootings through individual and family interventions.
- Gun violence is expected to disproportionately affect young men of color, potentially elevating the issue to a civil rights concern.
- Veterans are expected to drive solutions to veteran and gun-enabled suicide through community coalitions and peer support networks.
- The Military Basketball Association is expected to administer programs on reserved courts to help veterans prevent violent episodes.
- A movement led by young people opposed to lockdown drills is anticipated to emerge.
- Culture and behavioral change are expected to be achievable by addressing difficult issues analogous to those faced with big tobacco, seatbelts, and drinking and driving.
- The return on investment for technologies like ShotSpotter is expected to significantly exceed associated costs.
- Monetary costs on hospital systems, police departments, and community trauma are projected to continue rising unless interventions are successful.