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June 30, 2021Iowa City, Iowa |  By: AP

Gun deaths rising in Iowa as new law removes handgun permits


IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Gun deaths have been surging in Iowa as a law is set to go into effect that will allow people to more easily buy handguns and carry them in public without training or a permit.

The Iowa Department of Public Health said Tuesday that a record 353 people died from gunshot wounds in Iowa in 2020, a 20% increase from the previous high in 2019.

This year saw 85 firearm homicides, a 73% increase. Suicides rose by 13% and made up three of every four gun deaths in the state.

A leading gun violence researcher said he expects Iowa's sweeping handgun deregulation that begins Thursday to make things even worse.