Jon Blankenship

Headlines this week highlighted Tennessee’s record-high firearm deaths in 2023. But preliminary 2024 data shows real improvement—a hopeful sign in an otherwise sobering trend. Every firearm death is tragic and preventable, which is why Safer TN is committed to bringing facts, sharing ways to prevent firearm tragedies at home, and advancing state-specific solutions across our state. That’s what we’re Tracking—and more—this week.

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1-What We’re Tracking: Tracking Tennessee’s firearm deaths

Recent CDC data shows that Tennessee reached a record high number of firearm deaths in 2023, surpassing even post-pandemic levels. The data indicates that 1,587 Tennesseans lost their lives to firearm violence that year, ranking the state seventh nationally for firearm death rate. The alarming figures were picked up by multiple news outlets, and Safer TN confirmed the same findings.

Data released by the Tennessee Department of Health also shows that firearm deaths were highest among 18–24-year-olds that year, who also had the highest firearm homicide rate. Meanwhile, the highest firearm suicide rate was among those 75 and older.

A silver lining in these tragic numbers is that preliminary CDC data shows firearm deaths in Tennessee decreased in 2024, with a total of 1,448 deaths. Every firearm death is tragic and preventable, but this decrease is an encouraging sign, even as we acknowledge that there is still a long way to go to ensure all Tennesseans are safe from firearm violence.

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2-What We’re Tracking: Come for Safer TN, stay for a safer state

Safer TN is grateful for every opportunity to connect with new communities, share our mission, and grow this movement for safety. You have multiple upcoming opportunities to support Safer TN with your presence and participation:

• Oct. 22 – Veronica Beard Gives Back
  Veronica Beard will host a Safer TN Shopping Day — 15% of all proceeds benefit Safer TN. Plus, enjoy a trunk show from The Mahjong Line, featuring their beautiful tiles and game sets. RSVP to let us know you’re coming!
• Oct. 25 — Pumpkinfest
  Middle Tennessee’s largest fall festival returns for its 40th year! Safer TN will host a table at this beloved tradition, featuring family fun and lifesaving information.
• Oct. 29 – Jonesborough Kiwanis Club
  Safer TN Advocacy Board Member Lisa Rottmann will speak to members about firearm safety. (If you’d like us to present to your group, please reply to this email!)
• Nov. 3 – Addressing a Public Health Crisis: The Impact of Firearms
  Join Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, Dr. Paige Smith of Vanderbilt, and other panelists for a community conversation at Franklin First United Methodist Church. Free and open to the public but space is limited. [RSVP here.]
• Nov. 8 – Tangled Tinsel Holiday Market
  Safer TN will host a table at this festive, family-friendly event filled with holiday cheer in Collegedale, TN.
• Nov. 9 – Fall Family Fun Fest at Fat Bottom Brewing
  Join us for an afternoon of community connection, conversation, and fun. [Buy your tickets now!]
• Nov. 12 – Community Conversation with Jon Meacham
  Held at Woodmont Hills Christian Church, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author will discuss the rise in political violence and how faith communities can help bridge divides. Free, but space is limited. [RSVP now!] Childcare is provided.

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3-What We’re Tracking: World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day was on October 10, and Safer TN recognizes how mental health, access to care, and human connection all play a role in preventing tragedy and promoting community safety.

Firearm suicide is the leading cause of gun deaths in the United States, accounting for more than half of all firearm fatalities. When a person in crisis has easy access to a gun, their risk of suicide increases dramatically.

That’s why secure firearm storage is one of the most effective ways to save lives. Creating time and distance between a person in crisis and access to a firearm allows critical moments for intervention and help.

At Safer TN, we recognize that our nation faces both a mental health and mental healthcare crisis — and that those in distress can too easily access a firearm. We remain committed to advancing solutions that address both challenges through awareness, education, and policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of every Tennessean.

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4-What We’re Tracking: One year since Alyssa Lokits

Just over one year ago, 34-year-old Alyssa Lokits was walking on the Mill Creek Greenway in Antioch in broad daylight when a man — unknown to her — stepped out from between two parked vehicles and began following her. Alyssa was shot and killed while she was exercising.

Last Sunday, Alyssa’s family returned to the site of her death to dedicate a memorial bench in her honor. Safer TN was there with a table and participated in the walk.

As Safer TN’s Erin Rogus said last year: everyone should feel safe while exercising outdoors. Alyssa’s family and friends founded Free to Move, an initiative helping women access resources to move freely in the world without fear.

Thank you to the Lokits family and Free to Move for including us in this meaningful tribute.

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In this edition of The Tracker, we explore the latest on the Evergreen High School shooting survivors, who remain hospitalized one week after the event. We also outline how our organization is expanding to advance our mission, provide updates on contested firearm legislation, and share new data on pediatric firearm deaths. Plus, you’ll find some good news at the bottom of the newsletter—a reminder that policy works, as the final story illustrates. This is what we’re tracking right now…

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1-What We’re Tracking: Evergreen mass shooting survivors clinging to life

It’s been just over a week since a student at Evergreen High School, located about 30 miles west of Denver, opened fire. Two students were shot before the teen turned the firearm on himself. One of the victims, who was adopted as a baby and survived earlier abuse, had grown into a remarkable teenager and acted heroically during the shooting. He remains in critical condition and, if he survives, will face a long road to recovery. The other unnamed shooting victim remains in serious condition at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

At the same time that day, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on a college campus in Utah.

A local news commentator in Minnesota recently highlighted testimony from doctors who treated children who were shot at Annunciation Catholic School in August, as they spoke to a state senate committee to share their experiences from that day.

Safer TN condemns all firearm violence, including incidents on school grounds and college campuses, where students are meant to feel safe, learn, and grow.

After these recent tragedies, Safer TN is more determined than ever to do our work.

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2-What We’re Tracking: One mission, two arms

Voices for a Safer Tennessee was founded by concerned parents who, after The Covenant School tragedy, recognized the urgent need to prevent firearm deaths in our state. What began as a small but dedicated group quickly grew into a professional, statewide movement.
Now, we’re expanding into two complementary arms to advance our advocacy mission to create safer communities: one focused on education and outreach, the other on policy and election engagement.

Voices for a Safer Tennessee’s 501(c)(3) focuses on education, outreach, and community programs to help Tennesseans learn about firearm safety and prevention. Our 501(c)(4) arm engages directly in policy and election engagement to advance laws that keep communities safe while respecting the Second Amendment.

Although each has a separate governing board, the two arms work closely together, giving us two powerful ways to create safer communities. We’re excited about Safer TN’s future and are grateful to have you with us. Leadership for each can be found here and here.

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3-What We’re Tracking: Tennessee gun laws will be appealed

Last month, a three-judge panel in Gibson County Chancery Court panel ruled two Tennessee laws unconstitutional. One requires a permit to carry a firearm in public parks; the other prohibits carrying a firearm “with intent to go armed.”

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said he plans to appeal, calling the decision “too far.” Gov. Bill Lee supports the appeal, citing the need for clarity around the state’s laws. “We understand that the Second Amendment — and protecting it — is incredibly important in this state,” Lee told Nashville’s ABC affiliate. “[The ruling] calls a lot of laws in Tennessee unconstitutional that we know are not.”

While the appeal proceeds, the laws are unenforceable unless the court grants the state’s emergency motion to allow enforcement during the appeal. Safer TN is tracking these developments and will continue to share updates.

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4-What We’re Tracking: Understanding Pediatric Firearm Deaths in Tennessee

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Tennessee recently reviewed violent-death cases of children from 2020 to 2023. The findings highlight the urgent need for firearm safety: nearly half (44.1%) of unintentional firearm deaths in the state involved children. Among these, victims were split almost evenly between ages 2–5 and 12–17. Most deaths involved handguns. In about one-third of incidents, the shooter thought the gun was unloaded; in another third, the shooter believed it was a toy.

These numbers underscore that firearm safety at home and around children is critical. Safer TN is committed to educating families to help prevent these tragedies. Learn more about secure firearm storage and how to talk with other parents and your children about guns here.

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5-What We’re Tracking: A law we advocated for sees positive results

One year after Jillian’s Law passed the state legislature, it continues to strengthen public safety in Tennessee. The 2024 law, in part, requires that defendants found mentally incompetent to stand trial must receive treatment rather than be released, closing a dangerous gap that contributed to Jillian’s tragic death.

The state has expanded its mental health capacity to meet the law’s requirements: nearly three dozen new beds are now staffed across Middle Tennessee. More than 150 people have been admitted for treatment since the law took effect, supported by over $6 million in new state funding.

The law also restricts firearm access for those deemed incompetent to
stand trial. Safer TN is proud to have helped advocate for this life saving legislation and will continue to monitor its impact.

Last month’s active shooter report at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was confirmed as a hoax, claimed by an online group. Sadly, hoaxes like these are becoming more common in Tennessee—and they’re disruptive and frightening.

While details on the new firearm safety instruction required in public schools remain vague, we hope it will cover the dangers of making threats—even as a joke—so students can avoid terrifying classmates and facing serious legal consequences. Here’s what we’re tracking right now…

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1-What We’re Tracking: Hoaxes, Arrests, and Firearm Safety in Schools

According to a troubling report by The Trace, last month’s active shooter scare at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was confirmed as a hoax. It was one of more than 20 false active shooter reports on college campuses in a two-week period, with a shadowy online group taking credit for these calls to law enforcement. Unfortunately, incidents like this are not uncommon in grade schools and colleges alike.

The Nashville Banner reports that 44 Metro Nashville Public School students were arrested last school year for making threats of mass violence, compared with only 12 the year prior. The report notes this increase doesn’t necessarily mean violent threats are rising; instead, it reflects a law passed last year that elevated such threats to a felony. Safer TN urges parents to remind their children never to joke about making threats, including posting or resharing online content that could be misinterpreted. Even so-called “jokes” can carry serious legal consequences in today’s climate of heightened fear around active shooters.

Meanwhile, Safer TN is awaiting updates from state agencies and school districts about the new requirements for age-appropriate firearm safety education in public schools. This change stems from legislation enacted in 2024 that goes into effect this school year.

We support this requirement: Studies show 70% of children know where their parents’ firearms are located, and Tennessee ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings by children. While responsible gun ownership is the foundation of prevention, teaching kids what to do if they encounter a firearm is also a proven way to save lives. You can find our resource about talking to children about firearm safety here.

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2-What We’re Tracking: Dove Season & Firearm Safety with Elliott Davenport

Dove season is here, and for many Tennesseans, it’s a family tradition and often kids’ introduction to hunting. Safer TN member Elliott Davenport shares how dove hunting isn’t just about time in the field—it’s also about passing down the fundamentals of firearm safety.

In his short video, Elliott reminds us that safe practices extend far beyond hunting:

• Treat every gun as if it’s loaded
• Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot

Watch Elliott’s full message for other tips. You can learn more about dove hunting season by visiting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

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3-What We’re Tracking: Safer TN Launches Radio Campaign on Secure Firearm Storage

Safer TN has launched a new radio campaign across iHeartRadio stations in Middle Tennessee to highlight the life-saving importance of secure firearm storage. The campaign is designed to reach rural and suburban audiences with a message of responsible gun ownership.

Why now? Because the situation is urgent: most firearm deaths in Tennessee are suicides, and our state’s firearm suicide rate is nearly 50% higher than the national average, with rural residents at especially high risk. Tennessee also ranks third in the nation for accidental shootings involving children—tragedies that are often preventable with secure storage.

The radio ad features a Tennessee father and grandfather reminding listeners that locking up firearms when not in use saves lives.

“Secure storage isn’t just a best practice—it can save lives,” said Tim Sinks, Safer TN’s Treasurer.

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4-What We’re Tracking: Crime is Down in Tennessee

According to a new 400+ page report from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, overall crime in the state dropped 6% last year with murders decreasing by 19% year over year (538 total statewide). Gun thefts from cars also declined in 2024, though that number has begun to climb again this year—at least in Nashville.

Encouragingly, murders remain down so far in 2025—17% lower in the first half of the year across Tennessee.

While crime is still a top concern nationally, the trend in Tennessee points toward safer communities and progress worth building on.

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5-What We’re Tracking: We’re Looking for New Fall & Winter Interns!

This summer, Memphis resident Maggie Taylor interned with us. She monitored legislation, tracked firearm violence incidents, and built connections in Memphis to strengthen our network. As our only Memphis student representative, Maggie brought a unique perspective and a strong commitment to making her community safer.

Now, we’re looking for more student leaders like her! Applications are open for fall and winter internships—a chance to gain hands-on experience in public policy, advocacy, and communications. Learn more and apply here.