Poster #65 - Do Federal Fireams License Dealers Lead to More Shootings?

• In Event: ASC Poster Session I

Abstract

Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers are a primary channel through which individuals obtain firearms, raising concerns about their potential impact on gun violence within a community. This study examines whether the presence of FFL dealers is associated with increased shootings in six major U.S. cities between 2014 and 2023. Using official records of FFL dealer locations, we constructed buffer zones around dealer sites and compared them to zones where no dealer was ever present. Contrary to prevailing knowledge, our findings indicate that FFL dealer presence is not significantly associated with changes in shooting frequency. That is, the mere presence of an FFL dealer does not lead to higher shooting rates. By employing a rigorous causal inference framework, this study contributes to the literature by reevaluating the link between legal gun dealers and gun violence. Future research should explore whether this relationship is moderated by factors such as transaction volume, business operations, or dealer type.

Author

• Hyeonggeun Choe, University of Pennsylvania