Homicide and Suicide Rates Associated With Implementation of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act

This study explored whether implementation of the Brady Act was associated with reductions in homicide & suicide rates. An analysis was done of vital statistics data for the USA from 1985 through 1997. Changes in rates of homicide & suicide for treatment & control states were not significantly different, except for firearm suicides among persons aged 55 years or older. This reduction in suicides in these age groups was much stronger in states that had instituted both waiting periods & background checks than in states that only changed background check requirements. Limitations to the findings are discussed. (40 refs.)