Yes. Vermont has the highest rate of gun deaths in New England (twice that of Massachusetts). Many of these deaths are suicides (we had the 16th highest suicide rate in the country in 2009 and since then it has risen by 15%), and there is substantial research to show that laws that help keep guns out of the wrong hands can help prevent suicides.

Vermont also has the 16th highest rate of gun trafficking in the nation. This is because our laws are weaker than every other state around us, and as our neighboring states tighten their laws, Vermont will stand out even more as a place where criminals can come and be assured of easy access to weapons. Not only does this bring criminals into our communities, but often the criminals are also trafficking drugs with them, as well. Arrests for drug and gun violations have occurred even in small communities, such as Starksboro and Dorset.

For a list of recent crimes involving firearms: click here: http://gunsensevt.nationbuilder.com/vt_gun_incidents

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