Gun deaths have reached a record level in the United States, according to a new report.

Data released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited by The Hill on Wednesday showed that the number of gun deaths had reached its highest level in nearly four decades.

The underlying cause of death for nearly 40,000 people in 2017 were gun-related incidents, according to the data.

The deaths marked an increase of more than 10,000 compared to the 28,874 deaths recorded in 1999.

When adjusted for age fluctuations, the estimate represents a total of 12 deaths per 100,000 people — a jump from 10.3 deaths per 100,000 people in 1999.

Previously, last year had been deemed as the deadliest year in regard to mass shooting incidents.

The United States Congress House of Representatives former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was nearly killed during a shooting in 2011, reacted to the new report by issuing a statement from her gun control organization.

“This data from the CDC reminds us how many lives our gun violence crisis alters every year – and why so many Americans are rising up to demand action,” Giffords said in the statement.

“It’s unacceptable that the number of deaths from shootings keeps escalating while Washington DC refuses to even debate policies we know would help save lives. But activism leads to change and come January, more gun safety champions will be joining Congress and making this public health problem a priority,” she noted, in reference to Democrats winning elections and taking control of the House of Representatives for the first time in eight years after defeating the Republicans.