Fact Check: "85% of the homicides this year were firearm-related."
What We Know
The claim that "85% of the homicides this year were firearm-related" lacks current support from credible data. According to the CDC, in 2020, firearms were involved in approximately 79% of all homicides in the United States. This statistic indicates a significant proportion of homicides are indeed firearm-related, but it does not support the claim that 85% of homicides in the current year are firearm-related.
Furthermore, the Center for Gun Violence Solutions reported that in 2022, firearms were involved in about 69% of gun-related deaths among emerging adults, which again does not align with the claim. The overall trend shows that while firearm-related homicides are a major concern, the specific figure of 85% is not substantiated by the latest available data.
Analysis
The assertion that 85% of homicides this year were firearm-related appears to be an exaggeration or misinterpretation of available statistics. The CDC's report from 2020 indicates that 79% of homicides involved firearms, which is lower than the claimed 85% (CDC, 2020).
Additionally, the Center for Gun Violence Solutions provides a broader perspective on gun-related deaths, indicating that while firearm homicides are a significant issue, the specific percentage cited in the claim does not reflect the data accurately. The data from 2022 shows a decrease in the gun homicide rate, further suggesting that the claim may be based on outdated or misrepresented information (Center for Gun Violence Solutions, 2022).
The reliability of the sources used to support the claim is also critical. The CDC is a reputable public health institution, and its data is widely accepted in academic and policy discussions. In contrast, sources that may propagate the 85% figure without proper citation or context could be less reliable and potentially biased.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that "85% of the homicides this year were firearm-related" is not supported by credible data. The most reliable statistics indicate that approximately 79% of homicides involved firearms in 2020, and more recent data suggests that the percentage of firearm-related homicides has not reached 85%. Therefore, the claim is misleading and does not reflect the current state of firearm-related homicide statistics.
