Shootings across the rural–urban continuum

Abstract

In this article, we investigate situations involving firearm violence in Sweden. The spatiotemporal distribution of records is assessed in different contexts across the country and linked to land use, demographic, and socio-economic characteristics by area and by street segment. The findings emphasize the prevalence of evening shootings, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where young people congregate in public places often in residential areas, in parks, in playgrounds, and in transit areas. Although two-thirds of shootings took place in larger urban municipalities, our study sheds light on the non-uniform distribution of gun violence along the rural–urban continuum. We conclude by offering suggestions for future research and practical interventions to address this pressing issue that negatively affects people and communities.