Gun politics in the United States

A police officer guards the area as investigators comb the site where more than a dozen people were believed to have been gunned down by armed men on Sunday, in San Jose de Gracia, head of the municipality of Marcos Castellanos, in Michoacan state, Mexico

Troubled geography: Part II

How did changes in US gun policy contribute to the rise in gun violence in Mexico? This week's Critical State, a foreign policy newsletter by Inkstick Media, explores the reasons behind rising gun violence in Mexico.

Troubled geography: Part II
Flowers, cards and stuffed animals decorate a face as a tribute to victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings

New Zealand promises new gun laws within days. How can they move so fast?

New Zealand promises new gun laws within days. How can they move so fast?
nra members at a meeting

Hardline US 'gundamentalists' pressure NRA from within

Hardline US 'gundamentalists' pressure NRA from within
a 3D printed gun

From gun kits to 3D printable guns, a short history of rogue gun-makers

From gun kits to 3D printable guns, a short history of rogue gun-makers
Students gather for a rally in Washington Square Park, as part of a nationwide walk-out of classes to mark the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School mass shooting, in New York City on April 20, 2018.

Students walk out of class across the US to demand tighter gun laws

Students walk out of class across the US to demand tighter gun laws
AR-15 rifles are displayed for sale at the Guntoberfest gun show in Oaks, Pennsylvania, Oct. 6, 2017.

How the firearms industry influences US gun culture, in 6 charts

Recreational gun use has declined while demand for high-caliber, concealable weapons has skyrocketed; a combination of laws sponsored by the NRA and self-defense marketing may be behind the change.

How the firearms industry influences US gun culture, in 6 charts
Salesman Ryan Martinez clears the chamber of an AR-15 at Ready Gunner, a gun store in Provo, Utah.

The 'most popular rifle in America' was used in the country's latest shooting

The National Rifle Association has called the AR-15 the "most popular rifle in America" and estimates Americans own more than 8 million of them. The NRA says the gun is popular because it's "customizable, adaptable, reliable and accurate." Those features may also explain why it's also become a weapon of choice for mass shootings.

The 'most popular rifle in America' was used in the country's latest shooting
A man holds the sight of a rifle up to his right eye. More rifles are in racks on his left and right.

How other countries can help us understand America's mass shooting crisis

Researchers say America's gun culture doesn't compare to anywhere else in the world. We went to Yemen, El Salvador and Norway for answers.

How other countries can help us understand America's mass shooting crisis

New York City's Biggest Gun Bust

New York City's Biggest Gun Bust

What Next for Gun Control Advocates?

What Next for Gun Control Advocates?

Gun Owners React to Senate's New Proposals

Gun Owners React to Senate's New Proposals

Senate moves to allow votes on bills to reform immigration, increase gun background checks

Republicans in the U.S. Senate this week have indicated they'll allow votes on two bills — one that would reform the country's immigration system and another that would provide for background checks in all commercial gun sales. Whether they'll pass, though, remains to be seen.

Senate moves to allow votes on bills to reform immigration, increase gun background checks

Even Those Closest to Newtown Are Unsure About Gun Control

Even Those Closest to Newtown Are Unsure About Gun Control

A Gun Manufacturer's Take on Tougher Gun Laws

A Gun Manufacturer's Take on Tougher Gun Laws

Slate creates interactive crowdsourcing project to track gun-related deaths

Gun-related deaths continue to mount in the United States, despite legislative efforts to curb them. Slate is building off the attention trained on these deaths to build an interactive map, using social media, crowdsourcing, and news reports, that tracks gun-related deaths in the United States.

Slate creates interactive crowdsourcing project to track gun-related deaths