BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Guns have become the number one cause of death for children and teens in Alabama, surpassing car accidents and cancer, according to recent data. On average, 113 children and teens die from gun-related incidents annually in the state, with 64% of these deaths classified as homicides and 27% as suicides.
Alabama has the fifth-highest rate of gun violence in the U.S., with firearm deaths increasing by 45% from 2013 to 2022. The state also bears one of the highest societal costs of gun violence, totaling $15.4 billion annually, including $421 million paid by taxpayers.
This crisis is exacerbated by Alabama’s lax gun laws. The state lacks universal background checks, waiting periods, and child access prevention laws, despite having one of the nation’s highest rates of gun deaths per capita. Critics argue that this permissive environment fuels a culture where guns are revered as symbols of identity and power rather than tools requiring careful stewardship.
In Birmingham alone, gun violence claimed 151 lives in 2024, including 10 children. The youngest victim was a five-year-old boy, highlighting the devastating personal toll on families and communities.
While some advocate for stricter gun safety measures, others emphasize preserving Second Amendment rights. However, experts warn that cultural “gun fetishism” complicates efforts to address this epidemic.
As Alabama grapples with this crisis, its youth bear the brunt of a deadly combination of policy gaps and cultural dynamics.