New qualitative research from University of Virginia professors and law students explores contributing factors to youth gun violence in Virginia as well as solutions at the state and local levels.
“We shouldn’t be scared to walk around our own city without a gun,” said a 25-year-old Charlottesville resident interviewed as part of the research, which was released Thursday.
That person was one of nearly 60 minors and adults from around the state whom researchers interviewed to glean insights about what inspires people to carry guns and what might make their communities feel safer instead.
The study builds on other research, like a 2024 study that revealed how teens exposed to neighborhood gun violence were more likely to begin carrying their own guns. For the UVA research, the authors explored different hotspots around the state where homicide rates were higher…