COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio has seen a significant increase in gun violence in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating already elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and violent behavior, experts say. According to data released by the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence and other organizations, 44% of households in the U.S. had a gun in 2020. Additionally, nearly 66% of gun owners reported owning more than one gun, while 29% said they owned five or more.
In 2021, more Ohioans died from firearms than almost any year on record, according to preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health. The surge in gun violence has been accompanied by a rise in property crime rates, further contributing to the state’s already high crime rates.
2021 brought a lot of changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and rates of depression and violence were higher than in many years past, according to the WhitneyStrong Organization. This has resulted in an increase in gun violence across the state, with The Trace reporting 672 people killed in mass shootings and more than 2,700 injured in 2022 throughout the nation.
Despite these alarming statistics, Ohio became an open carry state on June 12, 2022, when Governor Mike DeWine signed the “Constitutional Carry” law into effect. This law eliminated the requirement for a concealed handgun license to carry a gun and training requirements.
Opponents of Ohio’s new “Constitutional Carry” law argue that it would make Ohio more dangerous for residents and law enforcement. Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey and the Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio have both expressed their opposition to the bill, citing concerns that it would make it easier for criminals to obtain firearms without going through the necessary background checks and training.
As Ohio continues to grapple with rising gun violence, lawmakers and residents must consider the impact of new laws and regulations on public safety.
