Bloomberg-backed groups launch #NotAnAccident Index to track child shootings

Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action have launched the #NotAnAccident Index to track unintentional shootings by children. The groups, both led by Michael Bloomberg, form one pillar of his gun control efforts. Their latest project follows earlier controversies over data accuracy. The organisations announced the new index as part of their campaign to monitor firearm incidents involving minors. Their past claims have faced scrutiny, such as a figure of 74 school shootings since Newtown, which was later revised to 15 and labelled 'mostly false' by Politifact.

In Vermont, the groups conducted an 'Internet sting' that highlighted inflated numbers of illegal gun sales. They also included the Boston Marathon bombers in their 'No More Names' bus tour as victims of gun violence.

Research director Ted Alcorn recently declined an on-air debate with economist John Lott, avoiding public discussion on the group’s methodologies. The #NotAnAccident Index is now active and will record cases of accidental child shootings. The initiative adds to the groups’ ongoing efforts to document and address gun violence. Past controversies over their data remain a point of criticism.