Mike Levin: “I would like to bring the results of a recent study on gun violence by a University of Michigan researcher to the…”

“I would like to bring the results of a recent study on gun violence by a University of Michigan researcher to the attention of my colleagues. The study found that adolescents who are exposed to gun violence are more likely to carry out serious acts of violence. The study, completed by University of Michigan doctoral student Jeffrey Bingenheimer, analyzed data from more than 1,500 adolescents. The participants underwent a series of interviews over the course of several years as part of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Among other things, initial interviews focused on exposure to firearm violence, including being shot or shot at or seeing someone else shot or shot at within the previous year. Subsequent interviews were designed to uncover whether the participant had engaged in violent acts themselves. These acts of violence were defined in the study as shooting at or shooting someone, being in a gang fight, attacking someone with a weapon, or carrying a hidden weapon. Reportedly, 23 percent of those interviewed reported being exposed to gun violence and 12 percent indicated that they had carried out violent acts themselves. Statistical analysis of the resulting data revealed that adolescents who were exposed to gun violence were more than twice as likely to carry out violent acts within the following two years. Describing the results of his study, Mr.…”