It has been clear since the start of the coronavirus pandemic that COVID-19 would not stop the gun violence epidemic. Instead, it is exacerbating it.

In the months since the pandemic began, gun sales have reached record highs. At the same time, guidance designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus has upended life as we knew it, forcing many of us to spend more time at home than ever before cut off from normal support networks. The COVID-19 crisis has also created unprecedented economic hardship. The combination of these factors greatly increases the risk of gun violence. The threat of domestic violence, suicide, and unintentional shootings is especially heightened.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the gun violence epidemic present unprecedented challenges for our communities—challenges that will be here for the foreseeable future. With that in mind, we compiled a list of resources—including mental health helplines, safe firearm storage options, and more—that can help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.

Please, take a moment to check out our guide and share it with anyone you think might find it useful.

---

–Kristen Ellingboe is Communications Manager for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility