"We find that short-term surges in firearm purchasing associated with the coronavirus pandemic are associated with significant increases in interpersonal firearm violence," the researchers note. "Our findings are consistent with an extensive literature that documents a link between firearm access and greater risk of firearm violence."
A correlation between gun buying and gun violence is not the same as causation, explained Dr. Sandro Galea, an epidemiologist and dean at the Boston University School of Public Health, who was not involved in the research. Galea, who has published numerous studies on gun violence, called the findings "reasonable and plausible."
"I think it's a fair analysis and good to communicate," he added.