The Gun Violence Archive (GVA) is not a gold-standard data source. It isn’t even a reliable source. Yet it is commonly, and tragically, cited by people in the media who don’t know enough about gun violence data and criminology to understand why they should avoid citing GVA. We’ll attempt to clarify that. Take-aways about GVA History of data quality issues Incomplete scope of data Invents terms that do not comport with established definitions No transparency on operations and methods What the Heck is GVA? According to some, GVA is a real-time database of gun violence and an important research tool. To others it is an insult to serious researchers and a detriment to public education, and a naked agitprop tool. The truth is in between.