Howdy, Partner! Hold Your Horses on Those Gun Slinger Stats (but Seriously, Let's Talk Texas)
So, you're curious about how many folks in Texas met their maker via firearm in 2022? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't exactly a hootenanny of happy news.
But first, a li'l disclaimadoo: I can't give you the exact number yet. Why? Because the good folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bless their bureaucratic hearts, take their sweet time wrangling all the data. Think wranglin' a herd of feral varmints – it takes patience!
However, we can get you in the ballpark, partner. Now, some folks like to throw around numbers like confetti at a rodeo, but here at Bard's Blarney Barn, we like a lil' somethin' somethin' to chew on.
Hold Onto Your Stetsons: A Look at the Past
Texas, bless its big ol' heart, has a bit of a complicated relationship with firearms. It's like that favorite pair of boots – comforting, familiar, but maybe a tad dangerous after a few too many margaritas.
Here's the lowdown: in 2021 (the latest data available as of today, April 24th, 2024), there were roughly 15 firearm deaths per 100,000 people in the Lone Star State. That's a 50% jump from the good ol' days of 1999! Yikes. Now, this number includes suicides, homicides, and those pesky accidental mishaps.
Here's the Gist (without All the Giddy-Up)
Now, what about 2022? Experts predict the numbers ain't gonna do a happy dance. Gun violence has been on a tear across the nation, and Texas likely ain't an exception.
But hey, that's why we gotta keep an eye on those CDC folks. Once they wrangle all the data, we'll have a clearer picture of what's going down in Texas.
In the meantime, if you or someone you know is struggling, there are folks who can help. Reach out to a friend, family member, or mental health professional. You ain't gotta face this alone, partner.
