Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A recent study reveals a troubling trend in firearm-related deaths among children, particularly in states with lenient gun laws like Wisconsin. The research published in JAMA Pediatrics highlights a significant increase in child firearm fatalities, correlating with the state’s legislative choices surrounding gun control.
Nick Matuszewski, associate executive director at WAVE Educational Fund, emphasized the urgency of addressing this public health crisis. “We cannot accept that harsh reality as normal,” he stated, pointing to the evidence that legislative action can save lives.
The study, conducted by national public health researchers utilizing data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, found that Wisconsin has seen a 15% increase in child firearm deaths. The findings note that African American children are disproportionately affected nationally. The research focused on firearm-related incidents before and after a 2010 Supreme Court decision that expanded local and state control over gun laws. Following this ruling, many states, including Wisconsin, adopted more permissive firearm regulations, worsening the situation.
In 2015, Wisconsin removed its 48-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, a move criticized by advocates for stricter gun laws. Tyler Kelly, a senior associate at WAVE, pointed out that several neighboring states implemented stronger measures, like mandatory background checks and red flag laws. “These regulations have been shown to save lives,” Kelly said, underscoring the weaknesses in Wisconsin’s current legislation, which includes no red flag law and inadequate storage requirements for firearms.
The findings came as no surprise to state Senator LaTonya Johnson, who remarked on the frequent gun violence affecting Milwaukee’s youth. “We see the consequences of this inaction in every child that dies and every family that grieves,” she noted, highlighting the city’s struggles with gun-related homicides. Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius confirmed that 24 students had been homicide victims this academic year, predominantly due to gun violence.
Johnson is advocating for the Safe Summer package, a series of proposed bills designed to overhaul Wisconsin’s firearm laws. This initiative includes reinstating a 48-hour waiting period for purchases, establishing red flag laws, banning ghost guns, and implementing universal background checks for all buyers. Democratic State Representative Shelia Stubbs, who has personal experience with the implications of gun violence in her district, expressed frustration with the lack of legislative progress. “I don’t know how many more people must die from gun violence in the state of Wisconsin,” she said.
Despite attempts to introduce stronger gun laws, past proposals have faced considerable opposition from Republican lawmakers. Governor Tony Evers had similar measures included in prior budget requests, but they were removed by Republican members of the Joint Committee on Finance.
In contrast, Republican leaders often argue that gun violence stems from criminal behavior rather than gun ownership itself. Stubbs and other advocates dispute this viewpoint, advocating for comprehensive gun control measures to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. Kelly referenced public opinion polls indicating a majority of Wisconsinites support stronger gun laws, particularly universal background checks and waiting periods for purchases.
Spotlighting the need for accountability in firearm transactions, Stubbs highlighted a loophole allowing private sales to bypass background checks altogether. “Those are transactions that do not get vetted,” she explained.
While gun legislation tends to be a divisive issue in Wisconsin, Stubbs expressed hope for bipartisan support, emphasizing the universal nature of the problem. “At the end of the day, many of my colleagues are parents. Gun violence has impacted all of us in one way or another.” She is urging lawmakers to take collaborative action to address the crisis before another tragedy occurs. “Enough is enough,” she said, calling for proactive measures to foster a safer environment for children.
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