California sees lowest number of firearm-related deaths since 1968, new data shows

California sees lowest number of firearm-related deaths since 1968, new data shows

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday highlighted what he called historic progress in the state's fight against gun violence.

"California has achieved something historic with the lowest rates of firearm deaths, suicides and homicides on record," he said during a press conference.

According to Bonta, in 2024, California saw the lowest numbers of firearm-related deaths since 1968. That also drove the state's overall homicide rate to its lowest level on record in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, Bonta's office said.

However, Bonta warned lawmakers that those gains could be at risk without continued investment.

"This progress is fragile," he said. "It was driven in part by significant investments that are now declining or disappearing, and without continued and increased investment, we risk losing it."

Bonta urged policymakers to continue advancing gun violence prevention efforts and education initiatives.