The Trace is a nonprofit newsroom solely dedicated to covering gun violence in the United States. We use the power of journalism to improve public understanding, increase accountability, and identify solutions that can lead to safer communities. 

We’re working to better understand the factors that drive gun ownership among everyday people, and we need your help to do so. Are you a gun owner living in Cook County? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a longtime gun owner, you’ve recently purchased a firearm, or have owned guns in the past, your perspective will help us tell a fuller story about guns in America. 

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In Chicago, the Odds of Surviving a Shooting Are Getting Worse

A new Trace analysis shows a decreasing percentage of Chicagoans survive gunfire. Researchers, experts, and community members say access to more lethal weapons and devices that make guns more dangerous are to blame.

Using the form below, sign up to be contacted by one of our reporters who will reach out with questions related to your experience. Your input will help guide our editorial coverage. In the past, you’ve helped us cover the increasing lethality of shootings in Chicago and create resources for survivors of gun violence.  

  • There are a few things we’re specifically hoping to learn throughout our conversations with gun owners, like how safe you feel in your neighborhood, what you think about Illinois gun laws, your experiences with gun safety training, and whether owning a gun is part of your identity. Our form only asks a couple of questions, but includes space for you to share your thoughts on those topics or anything else you’d like us to know.

The Trace takes privacy very seriously. We will not share your information with any third parties. We will never share your information publicly without your permission. If we would like to include your voice in a story, we will always ask.

Justin Agrelo
Justin, a Chicago native, previously worked at City Bureau, a nonprofit civic media organization in Chicago, where he covered housing and development. He was also an editorial fellow for Mother Jones magazine, writing for and fact-checking the online and print editions. In 2019, he earned his Master’s of Science in journalism with a special focus on social justice and investigative reporting from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.