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Here are eight stubborn facts regarding gun violence in America. 1. Violent crime is down and has been on the decline for decades 2. The biggest safety concerns with guns are suicides and illegally owned handguns, not mass shootings 3. A small number of factors significantly increase the likelihood that a person will be a victim of a gun-related homicide. 4. Gun-related murders are carried out by a predictable pool of people 5. Higher rates of gun ownership are not associated with higher rates of violent crime 6. There is no clear relationship between strict gun control legislation and homicide or violent crime rates 7. Legally owned firearms are used for lawful purposes more often than they are used to commit crimes or suicide 8. Concealed carry permit holders are not the problem, but they may be part of the solution.