Jennifer Mascia

Jennifer is a senior news writer and founding staffer at The Trace. She previously covered gun violence at The New York Times. In her decade on this beat, she's covered community gun violence, the intersection of domestic violence and guns, and the growing role of firearms in public life. She is currently the lead writer of the Ask The Trace series and tracks news developments on the gun beat.

After the Subway Shooting, NYC Transit Workers Say They’re Still Not Trained to Deal With Gunfire

Mass Shooting

After the Subway Shooting, NYC Transit Workers Say They’re Still Not Trained to Deal With Gunfire

A dozen train conductors and operators said a lack of protocols and training leaves MTA employees — and subway riders — in danger.

Jennifer Mascia
New Mexico’s Gun Carry Ban Isn’t a Longterm Solution. Here’s Why.

Politics

New Mexico’s Gun Carry Ban Isn’t a Longterm Solution. Here’s Why.

A bold move to curtail gun violence in Albuquerque has gotten a lot of attention, but less controversial solutions hold more promise.

Jennifer Mascia and Chip Brownlee
How Often Are AR-Style Rifles Used for Self-Defense?

Ask The Trace

How Often Are AR-Style Rifles Used for Self-Defense?

Supporters of AR-15s, often used in mass shootings and racist attacks, say they're important for self-defense. Our analysis of Gun Violence Archive data suggests otherwise.

Jennifer Mascia
Bulletin

How Easy Gun Access Fuels Armed White Supremacy

As Jacksonville reels from a racist rampage, a North Carolina college campus is paralyzed by an active shooting.

Jennifer Mascia
Are Handguns or Rifles Used More Often in Mass Shootings?

Ask The Trace

Are Handguns or Rifles Used More Often in Mass Shootings?

Concealable handguns have been involved in a majority of mass attacks for decades. But the use of rifles is becoming more common.

Jennifer Mascia
Gun Deaths Dropped Slightly in 2022 — But Were Still High

Data

Gun Deaths Dropped Slightly in 2022 — But Were Still High

More than 48,000 people died of gunshot wounds last year, with suicides up and homicides down, provisional CDC data shows.

Jennifer Mascia
One Major Factor Missing From the Gun Safety Debate: Alcohol

Public Health

One Major Factor Missing From the Gun Safety Debate: Alcohol

Research shows that drinking is a driver — and predictor — of gun violence. But state laws regulating if chronic abusers may own or carry guns are wildly inconsistent.

Jennifer Mascia and Fairriona Magee
In America, Accidental Shootings Among Children Occur Nearly Every Other Day

Ask The Trace

In America, Accidental Shootings Among Children Occur Nearly Every Other Day

Over the past year, 162 children under 13 shot themselves or another child with an unsecured gun.

Jennifer Mascia
New York Bill Seeks to Make Lockdown Drills Less Traumatic for Students

Schools

New York Bill Seeks to Make Lockdown Drills Less Traumatic for Students

Lawmakers and parent activists say that requiring four drills a year is excessive.

Jennifer Mascia
Dangerous Homes: Guns and Domestic Violence Exact a Deadly Toll on Kids

Domestic Violence

Dangerous Homes: Guns and Domestic Violence Exact a Deadly Toll on Kids

Most parents worry a shooting could happen at their children's school. But a Trace analysis found that three times as many kids were shot in domestic violence incidents between 2018 and 2022.

Jennifer Mascia
How Many Guns Are Circulating in the U.S.?

Ask The Trace

How Many Guns Are Circulating in the U.S.?

We attempt to pin down a central — yet elusive — data point in the conversation around gun violence.

Jennifer Mascia and Chip Brownlee
Bruen Takes Gun Law Back to a Time Before ‘Domestic Violence’

Law

Bruen Takes Gun Law Back to a Time Before ‘Domestic Violence’

The Supreme Court introduced a historical test that is upending gun laws across the country. The most recent policy to fall: a ban for subjects of restraining orders.

Jennifer Mascia and Will Van Sant
I’ve Covered Gun Violence for 10 Years. Here’s What’s Changed — And What Hasn’t.

Analysis

I’ve Covered Gun Violence for 10 Years. Here’s What’s Changed — And What Hasn’t.

Reflections on a tough and unrelenting beat.

Jennifer Mascia
The Monterey Park Shooter Had an ‘Assault Pistol.’ What Does That Mean?

Ask The Trace

The Monterey Park Shooter Had an ‘Assault Pistol.’ What Does That Mean?

Breaking down the weapon seized in connection with the deadly mass shooting at a California dance hall.

Chip Brownlee and Jennifer Mascia
Why Is It Easier to Buy Bullets Than Cold Medicine?

Ask The Trace

Why Is It Easier to Buy Bullets Than Cold Medicine?

Ammunition isn’t regulated like guns. But it used to be. Advocates and lawmakers say it’s a missed opportunity.

Jennifer Mascia