WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) appears to have removed an advisory issued by the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) that had previously declared gun violence a public health crisis in the United States.
The advisory, issued in June 2024 by then-Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, called for a public health-based approach to addressing gun violence and advocated for a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
“Firearm violence is an urgent public health crisis that has led to loss of life, unimaginable pain, and profound grief for far too many Americans,” Murthy stated at the time.
Advisory Removed from HHS Website
The OSG had published a press release in support of the advisory, backed by 10 national medical organizations, including:
- American Medical Association
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- American College of Surgeons
- American Public Health Association
- YWCA
However, the webpage containing the advisory has since been removed, displaying a “Page Not Found” message instead.
“We’re sorry, but there is no www.hhs.gov page that matches your entry. Possible reasons: The page may have been moved, it no longer exists, or the address may have been typed incorrectly,” the website states, as of Monday.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
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Trump’s Executive Order on Second Amendment Rights
In a statement to media, the HHS confirmed that the removal was in compliance with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on Second Amendment protections.
Trump’s executive order, issued last month, directs the Attorney General to review:
“All Presidential and agencies’ actions from January 2021 through January 2025 that purport to promote safety but may have impinged on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously voiced support for the Second Amendment but has also expressed interest in investigating the causes of mass shootings.
Debate Over Gun Violence and Public Health
The removal of the Surgeon General’s advisory has sparked controversy, with gun violence prevention advocates criticizing the move.
Gabrielle Giffords’ organization, GIFFORDS, which promotes gun safety and reform, condemned the Trump administration’s decision.
“By removing this important public health advisory with lifesaving resources, President Trump has chosen to prioritize gun industry profits over protecting kids and families,” said Emma Brown, executive director of GIFFORDS.
Gun violence has remained a leading cause of death among U.S. children and teenagers, according to Murthy’s original advisory. Gun-related suicides have also increased across all age groups between 2012 and 2022, with the sharpest rise among 10–14-year-olds.
Despite ongoing political debate, medical experts and public health organizations continue to push for evidence-based gun violence prevention strategies.
