The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has recently removed a webpage from the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) containing an advisory on gun violence. In June 2024, then-U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an advisory declaring gun violence as a public health crisis in America. The advisory called for an evidence-based approach to public health change, as well as a ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines for civilian use in order to address the urgent crisis of firearm violence that has caused significant loss of life and deep grief for many Americans.
The webpage where the advisory was originally published now shows a “Page Not Found” message, indicating the content is no longer available. The OSG had previously released a statement showing support from at least 10 national medical organizations for the advisory. Despite this, the website currently states that the page may have been moved or no longer exists.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment on the issue. The HHS stated that they are following President Trump’s Executive Order on Protecting Second Amendment Rights. President Trump’s recent executive order directs the Attorney General to review actions taken by Presidential and agencies from January 2021 to January 2025 that may impact Second Amendment rights.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has previously expressed support for the Second Amendment but also aims to understand the root causes of mass shootings. Gun violence prevention programs, such as GIFFORDS, founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, have criticized the Trump administration for removing the advisory, suggesting a preference for gun industry profits over the safety of children and families.
Gun-related injuries are a leading cause of death among kids and teens in the U.S., with gun-related suicides on the rise across all age groups. Murthy’s advisory highlighted the importance of addressing gun violence as a public health crisis and implementing prevention programs to protect communities from further harm.
“We have recognized gun violence as a public health crisis for many years.” Dr. Jade Cobern from ABC News’ Medical Unit contributed to this report. The removal of the Surgeon General’s advisory webpage on gun violence by HHS was initially reported on abcnews.go.com.
