Guns in Dangerous Hands

How Tennessee’s Justice System Allows Domestic Abusers to Keep Their Firearms

Tennessee has one of the highest rates of women killed by men in the country. Loose gun laws and weak enforcement make it easier for dangerous people to keep their guns, even if they are barred from having them.

How Tennessee’s Justice System Allows Dangerous People to Keep Guns — With Deadly Outcomes

Michaela Carter was one of at least 75 people killed in domestic violence shootings in Nashville since 2007. Nearly 40% were shot by people who were legally barred from having a gun.

by Paige Pfleger, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio, with research by Mariam Elba, ProPublica

Aug. 17, 2023, 5:00 am EDT

Impact of Our Reporting

Tennessee Lawmakers Push to Change How the State Disarms Dangerous People to Better Protect Domestic Violence Victims

by Paige Pfleger, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio

February 12, 2025, 6:00 am EST

6 stories published since 2023

She Begged for Help. This State’s Probation Gap May Have Put Her in Danger.

by Paige Pfleger, WPLN, and Mariam Elba, ProPublica

November 11, 2025, 5:00 am EST
In Rural Tennessee, Domestic Violence Victims Face Barriers to Getting Justice. One County Has Transformed Its Approach.

by Paige Pfleger, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio, photography by Stacy Kranitz

August 12, 2024, 5:00 am EDT
The Supreme Court Will Decide if Domestic Abuse Orders Can Bar People From Having Guns. Lives Could Be at Stake.

by Paige Pfleger, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio

November 3, 2023, 6:00 am EDT
Tennessee’s Governor Calls for Expanding a Gun Dispossession System Already Failing Domestic Violence Victims

by Paige Pfleger, WPLN/Nashville Public Radio

April 28, 2023, 6:00 am EDT

Featured Posts in this Series

How Tennessee’s Justice System Allows Dangerous People to Keep Guns — With Deadly Outcomes

Impact of Our Reporting

Tennessee Lawmakers Push to Change How the State Disarms Dangerous People to Better Protect Domestic Violence Victims

She Begged for Help. This State’s Probation Gap May Have Put Her in Danger.

In Rural Tennessee, Domestic Violence Victims Face Barriers to Getting Justice. One County Has Transformed Its Approach.

The Supreme Court Will Decide if Domestic Abuse Orders Can Bar People From Having Guns. Lives Could Be at Stake.

Tennessee’s Governor Calls for Expanding a Gun Dispossession System Already Failing Domestic Violence Victims