California Gun Facts

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Gun-related homicides have declined substantially here in the Golden State over the past two decades.

According to the California Department of Justice and Department of Public Health, a gun is used to commit suicide or murder about once every three hours.

However, most gun deaths are deemed suicides.
 
Accidental shooting deaths are far less common, with about one every 11 days.

Private citizens rarely use a firearm to kill a would-be criminal, with only 1 justifiable homicide for every 60 gun-related murders.
 
Meanwhile, gun sales have risen greatly in California; 931,000 were sold in 2014, compared to only 315,000 in 2004.