The "diffusion hypothesis" suggests that the growth in juvenile homicides results from the adoption within the larger community of behavior endemic to the drug industry, i.e., carrying guns and using them to settle disputes. The diffusion hypothesis is supported by the fact that, since 1985, the homicide arrest rates of both white and nonwhite juveniles have increased, respectively, by 80 percent and 120 percent, although there has been no evident growth in the involvement of white youths in the drug market. Regarding guns on the street, the Federal Government's primary role should be to offer technical assistance to localities that would like to pursue the task of getting guns out of the hands of juveniles, which requires stronger and more focused enforcement of existing legislation. Law enforcement has focused on the drug market while largely ignoring the market for illegal firearms. The challenge is a clear Federal responsibility because so much of the traffic in guns is interstate. Given the close association between gun violence and the drug market, measures should include increasing the resources and effort for drug treatment and prevention. In the long run, the Federal Government must face the widespread problem of socializing the increasing number of youth who see no hope for their economic future and are willing to take whatever risks are necessary to gain respect and earn an income. 5 figures