The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives traces over 450,000 guns likely linked to a crime in the United States each year. Each of these traced firearms is assigned one of 59 specific categories that describe the circumstances in which it was recovered by law enforcement.
Because each of these categories is tied to a firearm that has been confiscated or otherwise obtained by law enforcement, the most commonly cited classifications are those that necessarily involve a firearm. These include “carrying a concealed weapon” and “possession of a weapon.” However, the vast majority of ATF categories for traced firearms are criminal acts that do not, by definition, need to involve a gun. (These are America’s 10 biggest gun makers)
Using 2021 ATF gun tracing data, 24/7 Wall St. identified the types of crimes in every state that most commonly involve the use of a gun in 2021, the most recent year of data available. We only considered categories that were explicitly criminal acts, excluding those which, by definition, will always involve a firearm, such as weapon possession.
In the vast majority of states, the category most commonly cited by the ATF are incidents involving drugs. A total of more than 63,000 firearms traced by the ATF in 2021 were linked exclusively to drug related incidents.
Other common circumstances on this list include traffic offenses, domestic disputes, burglary, aggravated assault, suicide, and homicide. (Here is a look at the firearm calibers used the most to commit crimes in the U.S.)
Click here to see the most common gun-related crimes in each state.
Click here to see our detailed methodology.
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Alabama
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (11.8% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Property crimes (4.6% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.5% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 5,550 (62.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 8,847
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Alaska
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (13.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Traffic offense (4.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Simple assault (3.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 480 (60.2% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 797
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Arizona
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (9.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (8.8% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.6% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 6,706 (55.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 12,113
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Arkansas
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (11.9% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (7.6% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Property crimes (4.4% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 2,139 (60.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 3,541
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California
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (4.7% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (2.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Obstruction of justice (2.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 40,173 (73.9% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 54,338
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Colorado
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (6.0% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (4.6% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (4.5% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 4,212 (59.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 7,051
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Connecticut
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (6.7% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (3.5% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (1.4% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 1,333 (82.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 1,617
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Delaware
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (3.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (3.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (2.6% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 1,374 (81.9% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 1,678
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Florida
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (5.6% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (5.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 22,286 (64.6% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 34,491
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Georgia
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (14.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (6.0% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Property crimes (4.0% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 12,456 (60.8% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 20,472
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Hawaii
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (2.6% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Attempted homicide (2.6% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (1.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 105 (91.3% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 115
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Idaho
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (9.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (9.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (7.4% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 698 (50.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 1,376
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Illinois
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (2.1% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.0% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (1.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 16,858 (87.9% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 19,188
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Indiana
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (4.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 8,491 (82.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 10,349
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Iowa
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (10.6% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (4.0% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (2.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 1,808 (70.2% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 2,576
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Kansas
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (11.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (8.8% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (4.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 2,425 (56.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 4,303
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Kentucky
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (11.5% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (4.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Simple assault (3.3% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 4,730 (69.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 6,812
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Louisiana
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (13.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (6.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (4.1% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 7,995 (57.8% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 13,823
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Maine
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Burglary (7.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (7.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.3% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 372 (72.5% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 513
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Maryland
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (10.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Simple assault (4.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 6,054 (61.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 9,857
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Massachusetts
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (4.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (2.8% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 2,726 (84.6% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 3,222
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Michigan
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (10.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (6.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 8,634 (70.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 12,329
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Minnesota
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (8.6% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (5.8% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.4% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 3,012 (65.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 4,605
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Mississippi
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (13.5% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (4.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Property crimes (3.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 2,991 (63.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 4,744
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Missouri
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (10.9% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Property crimes (8.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (5.6% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 5,361 (52.5% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 10,213
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Montana
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (9.6% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (4.5% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (4.0% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 838 (70.5% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 1,188
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Nebraska
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Threat (6.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (3.8% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (3.8% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 1,493 (66.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 2,240
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Nevada
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Traffic offense (4.5% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (3.5% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.3% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 4,695 (69.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 6,735
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New Hampshire
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (21.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (11.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (2.0% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 394 (55.9% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 705
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New Jersey
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (2.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (2.0% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (1.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 3,893 (83.1% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 4,685
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New Mexico
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (9.5% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (6.7% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (5.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 2,536 (61.6% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 4,114
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New York
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (1.5% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (1.5% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (1.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 9,331 (90.5% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 10,310
North Carolina
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (6.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.5% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (3.3% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 16,640 (72.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 23,104
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North Dakota
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (13.0% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (6.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 496 (63.8% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 778
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Ohio
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (5.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 16,585 (79.6% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 20,826
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Oklahoma
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (7.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Simple assault (5.6% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (3.5% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 3,817 (72.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 5,302
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Oregon
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (7.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (5.2% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (3.9% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 3,198 (58.6% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 5,459
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Pennsylvania
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (8.3% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (5.3% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.4% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 9,862 (64.2% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 15,370
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Rhode Island
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (7.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (7.2% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (1.8% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 524 (78.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 666
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South Carolina
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (9.8% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (3.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (2.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 7,210 (67.3% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 10,713
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South Dakota
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (5.4% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (4.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Burglary (3.4% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 551 (66.2% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 832
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Tennessee
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (9.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Simple assault (7.8% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Property crimes (3.5% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 10,262 (66.1% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 15,531
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Texas
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (6.8% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (5.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.3% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 32,346 (70.9% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 45,618
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Utah
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (8.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (5.0% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Traffic offense (4.8% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 1,795 (59.2% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 3,030
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Vermont
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (23.5% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.9% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (1.2% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 161 (66.3% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 243
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Virginia
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (4.1% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (3.1% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 9,343 (76.7% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 12,184
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Washington
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (8.3% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (6.0% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Aggravated assault (5.5% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 2,911 (52.1% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 5,586
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West Virginia
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (16.8% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.6% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (2.5% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 1,155 (68.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 1,698
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Wisconsin
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (4.2% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Family offense (3.2% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (2.7% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 5,464 (77.4% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 7,062
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Source: DenisTangneyJr / E+ via Getty Images
Wyoming
> Most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Dangerous drugs (12.1% of all traced-guns)
> 2nd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Homicide (7.4% of all traced-guns)
> 3rd most common crime-category involving a traced firearm: Suicide (7.0% of all traced-guns)
> Traced guns linked to firearm-specific incidents only (ex. concealed carry, gun trafficking, concealed weapon): 161 (54.0% of all traced-guns)
> All guns traced by the ATF in 2021: 298
Methodology
To identify the most common crimes involving a firearm in each state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2021 gun tracing data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The ATF traces firearms that were either used, or are suspected to have been used, in a crime.
Each traced firearm is classified in one of 59 categories, assigned by the ATF, to designate the circumstances in which that firearm is suspected to have been used, or how it was being used when confiscated by law enforcement.
To rank the top three circumstances a traced firearm was tied to, we excluded all categories that are not necessarily criminal in nature. Examples of these categories include liquor use and gambling.
Additionally, we only considered crimes which do not always necessarily involve a firearm, such as homicide, suicide, and kidnapping.
We also included the sum total of all traced firearms that were directly linked to incidents that can only involve firearms, such as altering the identification of a weapon, carrying a prohibited weapon, and firing a weapon.
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