WHY DO I NEED TO WAIT?

Waiting periods for gun purchases save lives by preventing impulsive violence and suicide. They offer a critical buffer that can turn a moment of crisis into a moment of reconsideration.

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Why Waiting Periods Matter

Waiting periods—also known as “cooldown” periods—are laws that require a delay between the purchase of a firearm and when the buyer can take possession of it. While the delay may seem minor, its impact can be profound. These laws are designed to prevent impulsive acts of violence, especially in moments of emotional distress or rage.

The Psychology Behind Impulsivity

Research shows that many acts of gun violence, particularly suicides and domestic homicides, are impulsive. Suicidal crises often escalate in minutes or hours, not days. A firearm purchased and obtained immediately can become a fatal tool in a moment of despair. By introducing a waiting period, we create space for reflection, intervention, and potentially life-saving decisions.

Evidence of Effectiveness

Studies have found that waiting periods are associated with:

• 7–11% reduction in firearm suicides, according to multiple analyses.
• Up to 17% reduction in gun homicides, especially when the delay is just a few days.
• Fewer “default proceed” sales, where guns are sold before background checks are completed, resulting in thousands of prohibited buyers acquiring firearms each year.

Mental Health and Public Safety

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) supports waiting periods as part of a public health strategy. With suicide being the leading cause of gun-related deaths and firearms being the most lethal method, delaying access can be a powerful tool in suicide prevention.

Public Support

Waiting periods are widely supported across political and demographic lines. A 2019 study found that 85% of non-gun owners and 72% of gun owners favor mandatory waiting periods. Despite this, federal law does not currently mandate a waiting period, leaving it up to individual states.

State-Level Action

As of 2024, only six states and the District of Columbia require waiting periods for all firearm purchases, while four others apply them to specific types of guns. The length varies from one to 30 days, depending on the jurisdiction.

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Conclusion

Waiting periods are not just bureaucratic delays—they are life-saving policies. They give time for background checks, allow emotions to cool, and offer a chance for intervention. In a country grappling with gun violence and suicide, this simple measure could be one of the most effective tools we have.

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Sources

• Impulsivity and Suicide Prevention: A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that waiting periods are associated with a significant reduction in firearm suicides, particularly because many suicide attempts are impulsive.
• Reduction in Gun Violence: Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) showed that waiting periods can reduce gun homicides by up to 17%.
• Public Support: A 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 85% of non-gun owners and 72% of gun owners support mandatory waiting periods for gun purchases.
• State-Level Laws: According to Giffords Law Center, only a handful of states currently enforce universal waiting periods, with durations ranging from 1 to 30 days.
• Mental Health Advocacy: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) endorses waiting periods as part of a broader suicide prevention strategy.