Surprising fact: Half of gun deaths are suicides

It's only surprising if you haven't been paying attention at all:

Suicides accounted for 55 percent of the nation's nearly 31,000 firearm deaths in 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There was nothing unique about that year--gun-related suicides have outnumbered firearm homicides and accidents for 20 of the last 25 years. In 2005, homicides accounted for 40 percent of gun deaths. Accidents accounted for 3 percent.

The American Public Health Association argues that suicide attempts with firearms are more lethal. That's probably true, but removing guns doesn't remove suicide. Look at Japan, for instance.

When looking at firearms deaths and quoting statistics to support gun control, it would be fair to list deaths from crime and accidents. Suicides, killings in legal self defense, or by police do not support the gun control agenda. But the numbers sure help.