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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
