In 2009, 11,495 people were shot and killed in gun-related homicides in the US.
In comparison, there were 173 gun homicides in Canada in the same year,
30 in Australia, and 18 in the United Kingdom.
Of these 11,495 unlawful killings,
234 of them were children 14 years of age or younger.
Understanding why these deaths occur and how to prevent them requires more research
into the risks and benefits of gun ownership and use in today's society.
In 1996, the leading US federal research agency addressing gun deaths and their prevention
was given an effective cease and desist order.
Language was introduced into the agency's appropriations bill that stated:
"none of the funds made available for injury prevention and control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
may be used, in whole or in part, to advocate or promote gun control"
Under this clause, it is unlawful for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
to fund research that is perceived as promoting gun control in any way.
This clause remains in place to this day.