Veterans Die by Suicide at Higher Rates, Firearms Involved in Most Deaths
New federal data shows veterans die by suicide at rates far exceeding civilians, with firearms involved in three-quarters of these deaths.
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA — Veterans in the United States die by suicide at significantly higher rates than the general population, with firearms involved in the majority of those deaths, according to new federal data analysis released this week.
The report from Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun violence prevention advocacy group, analyzed U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data and found that approximately 18 veterans die by suicide each day, with about 13 of those deaths involving firearms.
Firearms were used in about three-quarters of veteran suicides by 2023, representing an increase from about two-thirds in 2001. Although veterans comprise a relatively small portion of the U.S. population, they account for nearly one in five firearm suicide deaths nationwide.
Dramatic Increase Over Two Decades
The veteran firearm suicide rate increased by about 67% between 2001 and 2023, compared with a 35% increase among nonveteran adults during the same period, the analysis found.
Differences in firearm ownership may contribute to the disparity, according to the report. About half of veterans report owning firearms, compared with roughly 20% of nonveteran adults.
Research cited in the report suggests that gun ownership is linked to roughly a threefold increase in suicide risk, with about 90% of suicide attempts involving a firearm proving fatal.
Younger Veterans Now Most at Risk
The analysis revealed a concerning shift in demographics, with veterans ages 18 to 34 now having the highest suicide rate among veterans. This represents a change from earlier years when the highest rates were among middle-aged and older veterans.
While men account for most veteran suicide deaths, firearm suicide rates among female veterans have increased more rapidly in recent years. Women make up about 11% of the veteran population.
“It could not be more clear that easy access to firearms is the primary cause of veterans’ high suicide mortality rates,” said Chris Marvin, veteran lead at Everytown for Gun Safety and a combat-wounded military veteran.
Contributing Factors
The report indicates that mental health conditions serve as additional contributors to suicide risk among veterans, though the analysis emphasizes the role of firearm access as a primary factor in the mortality rates.
The findings underscore ongoing concerns about veteran mental health and suicide prevention efforts, particularly as younger veterans show increasing rates of suicide deaths involving firearms.
The data analysis comes as advocacy groups and policymakers continue examining strategies to address veteran suicide rates and the role of firearm access in these tragic outcomes.
