The Tenth Highest Rate of Gun Deaths in the United States

Tennessee has the 10th highest rate of gun deaths in the United States. Between 2012 and 2021, gun deaths jumped 52%, while nationwide they only went up 39%. Handgun purchases don't require background checks or training. There's no red flag laws. In 2021, Republicans passed a law allowing permitless carry of handguns both concealed and unconcealed. This year they filed a law to lower the age to carry a handgun down to 18. Another bill would allow AR-15s to be carried in public. And one proposed piece of legislation would allow people to carry AR- 15s into schools.