More people die from violence in the United States than in any other industrialized country; the majority of these homicides are committed with a gun. The United States leads all industrialized countries in homicides. Accidental shootings are the third leading cause of deaths for those ages 10-29 and the fifth leading cause of death for children ages 1-15. Worldwide homicide rates are highest for males ages 15-34; in the United States young ethnic minority men ages 15-34 have rates 3 times higher than other groups. Homicide rates are highest in urban areas. Youthful street gangs are a longstanding phenomenon; drive-by shootings and other gun-related activities by gang members have increased as guns on the streets have proliferated. Media coverage in the United States tends to focus on perpetrators, eroding concern for the victim and enhancing fear of perpetrators. A public health response to violence requires primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Broad support from the entire community, including public and private agencies, governmental agencies, the media, schools, university research, medical providers, the criminal justice system, social services, and the community, is essential. The approach in Los Angeles County is typical of the approach taken by many governmental and private partnerships developed to create a comprehensive effort. Tables, figure, and 21 references