How Many Guns Are Traced To Crimes In Illinois

By Samuel Stebbins, 24/7 Wall St. - Chicago:

Crimes committed with firearms – particularly homicide – are a growing problem in the United States. Over 19,000 people were murdered with a gun nationwide in 2020, up 35% from the previous year. These murders were on top of the more than 100,000 cases of aggravated assault and 43,000 cases of robbery involving guns.

Many of the guns used in these crimes were reported by local law enforcement to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives for tracing to aid in crime investigation and criminal prosecution. All told, the ATF traced nearly 390,000 firearms in 2020 alone.

Guns that are traced by the ATF are typically those found at a crime scene – and that either have been used, or are suspected to have been used, to commit a crime – though it is important to note that not all firearms used in a crime are traced.

In Illinois, the ATF traced a total of 14,897 firearms in 2021 – or 117.2 for every 100,000 people, the 24th most among states.

The largest share of guns reported to the ATF in the state – 6,438 in total – were chambered for 9mm ammunition. The second most common firearm type was .40 caliber, with 2,012 traced by the ATF.

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This story was originally published by 24/7 Wall St., a news organization that produces real-time business commentary and data-driven reporting for state and local markets across the country.