Journalist Josiah Bates pulls back the curtain on a crisis that continues to plague the United States in this gripping narrative. Fueled by the convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, gun violence has surged to unprecedented levels, devastating marginalized communities and urban areas across the nation.

Bates embarks on a heart-wrenching journey, crisscrossing the country to meet victims, perpetrators, community activists, and renowned scholars. Through their powerful stories, he unearths the hidden causes behind the escalating gun violence epidemic. From the corrosive effects of poverty to the contentious debates surrounding policing and calls to defund law enforcement, Bates fearlessly navigates the intricate web of factors influencing gun violence. Through firsthand accounts and expert analysis, he exposes the systemic failures that perpetuate this cycle of destruction and delivers a powerful clarion call for change.

Bates amplifies rarely heard voices in this debate, including both victims and perpetrators of shootings, some of whom now work tirelessly to dismantle the violence in their communities. Their stories, alongside Bates’s unflinching reporting, illuminate a path toward long-term solutions. As the nation grapples with this relentless epidemic, Bates presents a compelling case for unity and action. In These Streets is a groundbreaking investigation that uncovers the deep-rooted causes of gun violence, empowering readers with the knowledge, empathy, and inspiration needed to drive meaningful transformation.

“If you want to understand gun violence but don’t know where to start, start here. Josiah Bates brings together gripping stories, solid research, and astute analysis—all in clear, readable language. By approaching violence as a problem to be solved and not an argument to be won, Bates leaves us with something in short supply these days: hope.”—Thomas Abt, author of Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence—and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets