Are AR-15 Assault Rifles Really the Culprit Behind Murders in America?

The assertion that AR-15 assault rifles accounted for 27,982 murders in America in 2018 is a misleading and unfounded myth. Such claims not only perpetuate misinformation but also hinder productive discourse on gun control.

According to the FBI, Table 8 of the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program provides an accurate breakdown of crime in the United States. This table reveals that AR-15s, and assault rifles in general, are far from the primary weapon in murder cases. In fact, the number of firearm murders using AR-15s and other assault rifles is significantly lower than commonly believed.

Firearm Murder Statistics

The FBI's UCR data reveals that the total number of firearm homicides in the U.S. in 2018 was 14,096. The 2019, 2020, and 2021 data also show around 14,000 to 15,000 firearm-related murders, with a slight dip in 2021. This information clearly shows that the vast majority of murders in the U.S. are not committed with AR-15s.

AR-15s and Their Usage in Crime

The 2020 FBI data on firearms involved in crimes shows that only 3% of firearm murders involved rifles. Among those rifles, the vast majority were not AR-15s but rather other firearms. According to the Britannica definition of "assault rifle," it is a rifle with the capacity to switch between semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. In the United States, the most common AR-15 is not fully automatic and requires a federal license to purchase.

The Reality of Gun Violence in the U.S.

It is essential to address the broader context of gun violence in the United States. The most common caliber used in crimes is 9mm, not the 5.56mm round fired from an AR-15. This suggests that the specific characteristics of AR-15s are not the main reason for the majority of murders inAmerica.

Addressing Misconceptions and Propaganda

Misconceptions about gun violence often spread through unreliable sources, such as news channels and activist groups. It is crucial to rely on accurate data and reputable sources to make informed decisions about gun control policies. Statements like 'AR-15s are self-aiming and self-firing' are baseless and misleading.

The lawfareblog analysis of the potential impact of an assault rifle ban indicates that banning AR-15s would not significantly reduce overall firearm-related murders. Additionally, the concept of 'gun-free zones' is problematic, as the vast majority of mass killers target such areas after failing to obtain firearms illegally.

Conclusion

To effectively address the issue of firearm violence, it is essential to base the conversation on accurate and comprehensive statistics provided by reputable sources. Misinformation not only hinders progress but also contributes to a dangerous and polarized discourse. We should focus on achieving a balanced approach to gun control that considers the wider context and root causes of gun violence inAmerica.