Surgeon General Murthy calls firearm violence a “moral crisis” and “public health crisis” in America

In a new advisory released Tuesday, June 25, on X, US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy declared gun violence in the US is an urgent public health crisis that demands the “collective commitment of the nation” and showed a moral failure on the part of the nation.

“Today, for the first time in the history of our office, I am issuing a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence. Firearm violence is a public health crisis in America that poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of our country,” Dr. Murthy said on X.

He said gun violence has “deep consequences” for victims, communities, and mental health.

“A staggering 54% of adults report that they or a family member have experienced a firearm-related incident (been personally threatened with or injured by a firearm, lost a family member, witnessed a shooting, or shot a firearm in self-defense),” he went on to say.

“What is especially devastating is how this has affected our kids. Firearm violence is now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents—more than car accidents or drug overdoses,” Dr. Murthy revealed.

“Exposure to firearm violence can contribute to elevated stress levels and mental health challenges and threaten the sense of well-being for entire communities. Nearly 6 in 10 adults worry about a loved one being the victim of firearm violence,” he added.

The Advisory on Firearms Violence issued by his office, carries graphs to support Dr. Murthy’s warning.

In what was almost an admonishment to the nation, Dr. Murthy said, “Firearm violence is a preventable public health crisis. Our failure to address it is a moral crisis. To protect the health and well-being of Americans—especially our children—we must now act with the clarity, courage, and urgency the moment demands.”