In a tweet on Dec. 14, Rep. Jackie Speier of California said, “Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, more than seven children PER DAY have died from gun violence.”
Our ruling
California Congresswoman Jackie Speier recently claimed: “Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, more than seven children PER DAY have died from gun violence.”
Speier’s claim is backed up by the CDC’s fatal injury report data, which shows an average of 7.15 young people per day, aged 0 to 19, died in connection with firearms between 2013 and 2015.
It’s important to note these include all types of gun deaths: accidents, homicides and suicides. All gun deaths are violent, but Speier’s statement could be interpreted as only including homicides or accidents.
Finally, Speier’s claim might also lead some to think she’s talking about young school aged children, given that she invokes an elementary school shooting. The data show teenagers and young adults make up the vast majority of deaths due to guns in America, while elementary aged children account for a small fraction.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the source Speier relied on, offers a more complete look at this statistic on its website. It notes that children “and teens” are included in the seven deaths per day.
Speier’s statement is on the right track. But it could have used some clarifications.
We rate it Mostly True.
To read the full fact check, go to politifact.com.