A report released yesterday by Safe Tennessee Project calls gun violence in the state a “public health crisis” and says an average of 3.4 Tennesseans are killed with guns every day. Last year, 1,246 Tennesseans were shot and killed – the highest number on record. The 70-page report states Tennessee is ranked 1st for accidental shootings of children and 4th for firearm mortality and homicide for people under the age of 19.

In the listening area, the report states Cumberland County had 30 firearm fatalities in 2009 to 2011. That number increased to 41 in 2012 to 2014 but dropped to 40 in 2015 to 2017. The report did not indicate if these were accidental or intentional firearm fatalities.

Roane County saw 25 firearm fatalities in 2009 to 2011. That number increased to 35 in 2012 to 2014 but dropped to 26 in 2015 to 2017.

As far as firearm injuries, the report states Cumberland County had 34 in 2009 to 2011. That number increased to 43 in 2012 to 2014 but dropped to 41 in 2015 to 2017.

Roane County saw 29 firearm injuries in 2009 to 2011. That number decreased to 20 in 2012 to 2014 but went up to 32 in 2015 to 2017.