Resources

Find everything you need to accurately research and report on gun violence in the U.S. and in your community. Trace reporters and editors have compiled a glossary, fact sheets, guides, and other material to get you started. Build a strong foundation here for understanding this uniquely American public health crisis. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out through the help desk.

A photo of a 2024 event hosted by The Trace in Philadelphia. Trace staffers in the foreground and a person wearing a Trace backpack in the background.
Resource

The Trace’s Gun Violence Data & Best Practices Guide

It is difficult to find gun violence data, and the data that does exist is often incomplete and unreliable. In this guide, we share data sources trusted by Trace staffers and examples from our archive to demonstrate how information can be turned into local and national stories.

If you know of any good data source that should be included — or you’re a newsroom interested in having gun violence data localized for your area — please send us a message at [email protected].

Also, be sure to check out our U.S. Gun Violence 101 sheet for an overview of the staggering numbers and key topics on gun violence that many Americans might not know.

Brian Freskos and Ava Sasani
A screenshot of a gun violence map of the U.S.
Fact Sheet

U.S. Gun Violence 101

Gun violence in the U.S. is a public health crisis. It has been for some time — well before the Surgeon General declared it so in June. This primer gives an overview of the staggering numbers and provides a summary of several key topics that many Americans might not know.

Team Trace
An illustration of white topographic lines with guns at the peaks, set on a blue background.
Resource

The Gun Violence Glossary

Brush up on common gun violence terms defined by experts at The Trace.

Team Trace