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Gun politics in the United States

A police officer guards the area as investigators comb the site where more than a dozen people were believed to have been gunned down by armed men on Sunday, in San Jose de Gracia, head of the municipality of Marcos Castellanos, in Michoacan state, Mexico

Troubled geography: Part II

Critical State

How did changes in US gun policy contribute to the rise in gun violence in Mexico? This week’s Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter by Inkstick Media, explores the reasons behind rising gun violence in Mexico.

Flowers, cards and stuffed animals decorate a face as a tribute to victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings

New Zealand promises new gun laws within days. How can they move so fast?

nra members at a meeting

Hardline US ‘gundamentalists’ pressure NRA from within

Conflict
a 3D printed gun

From gun kits to 3D printable guns, a short history of rogue gun-makers

Commentary
Students gather for a rally in Washington Square Park, as part of a nationwide walk-out of classes to mark the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School mass shooting, in New York City on April 20, 2018.

Students walk out of class across the US to demand tighter gun laws

Conflict
AR-15 rifles are displayed for sale at the Guntoberfest gun show in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Oct. 6, 2017.

How the firearms industry influences US gun culture, in 6 charts

Commentary

Recreational gun use has declined while demand for high-caliber, concealable weapons has skyrocketed; a combination of laws sponsored by the NRA and self-defense marketing may be behind the change.

Salesman Ryan Martinez clears the chamber of an AR-15 at Ready Gunner, a gun store in Provo, Utah.

The ‘most popular rifle in America’ was used in the country’s latest shooting

Culture

The National Rifle Association has called the AR-15 the “most popular rifle in America” and estimates Americans own more than 8 million of them. The NRA says the gun is popular because it’s “customizable, adaptable, reliable and accurate.” Those features may also explain why it’s also become a weapon of choice for mass shootings.

A man holds the sight of a rifle up to his right eye. More rifles are in racks on his left and right.

How other countries can help us understand America’s mass shooting crisis

Conflict

Researchers say America’s gun culture doesn’t compare to anywhere else in the world. We went to Yemen, El Salvador and Norway for answers.

The World

A gun-toting congress?

Conflict & Justice

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tex.) is reportedly writing a bill that would allow congressmembers to carry concealed weapons in Washington D.C. Carrying a concealed weapon is currently illegal in D.C., but is not illegal for members of Congress on Capitol grounds. The news of this bill comes after twenty people were shot in Arizona over this […]

New York City’s Biggest Gun Bust

The city of New York hit a new record–yesterday 254 guns were seized, and 19 alleged smugglers were charged in what’s seen as the city’s largest gun bust yet. “Perhaps the two most disturbing aspects of the gun trafficking operation were the simplicity of the business model, and the complete indifference of the gun suppliers […]