Amanda Watford
Coverage of Amanda Watford in the Nexus archive.
- Gun homicides declined in 2024 as firearm suicides hit record high, data shows
Gun homicides in the U.S. declined by nearly 16% in 2024, falling to 15,364 deaths, while firearm suicides reached a record high of 27,593 deaths. Total firearm-related deaths in 2024 were 44,447, a 5% decrease from the previous year, but firearms remained the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1 to 17 for the fifth consecutive year.
- More states expand PTSD treatment options for first responders
More states are expanding PTSD treatment options for first responders by adopting laws that include medical marijuana protections and psychedelic therapy research. Maryland and Ohio have enacted measures to support mental health, while Connecticut and Missouri are exploring psilocybin and ibogaine therapies for eligible first responders and veterans.
- Firearms drive majority of veteran suicides, federal data shows
Firearms are used in approximately three-quarters of veteran suicides in the U.S., up from two-thirds in 2001, according to a new analysis of federal data. The report by Everytown for Gun Safety highlights that veterans account for nearly 20% of firearm suicide deaths nationwide despite comprising a small share of the population.