In recent years, gun violence in the United States has become an alarmingly common occurrence. From 2016, there has been over ****** homicides by firearm in the U.S. each year and firearms have been found to make up the majority of murder weapons in the country by far, demonstrating increasing rates of gun violence occurring throughout the nation. As of 2025, Mississippi was the state with the highest gun violence rate per 100,000 residents in the United States, at **** percent, followed by Louisiana, at **** percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of *** percent, the lowest out of all the states. The importance of gun laws Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, which has been found to affect the differing rates of gun violence throughout the country. Fewer people die by gun violence in states where gun safety laws have been passed, while gun violence rates remain high in states where gun usage is easily permitted and even encouraged. In addition, some states suffer from high rates of gun violence despite having strong gun safety laws due to gun trafficking, as traffickers can distribute firearms illegally past state lines. The right to bear arms Despite evidence from other countries demonstrating that strict gun control measures reduce rates of gun violence, the United States has remained reluctant to enact gun control laws. This can largely be attributed to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms. Consequently, gun control has become a highly partisan issue in the U.S., with ** percent of Democrats believing that it was more important to limit gun ownership while ** percent of Republicans felt that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns.

From 2013 to 2019, the United States had a gun homicide rate of **** per 100,000 residents, the most out of any other G7 country. In comparison, Canada had a gun homicide rate of **** per 100,000 residents while France had a gun homicide rate of *** per 100,000 residents.

THIS DATASET WAS LAST UPDATED AT 2:11 AM EASTERN ON SEPT. 26

OVERVIEW

2019 had the most mass killings since at least the 1970s, according to the Associated Press/USA TODAY/Northeastern University Mass Killings Database.

In all, there were 45 mass killings, defined as when four or more people are killed excluding the perpetrator. Of those, 33 were mass shootings . This summer was especially violent, with three high-profile public mass shootings occurring in the span of just four weeks, leaving 38 killed and 66 injured.

A total of 229 people died in mass killings in 2019.

The AP's analysis found that more than 50% of the incidents were family annihilations, which is similar to prior years. Although they are far less common, the 9 public mass shootings during the year were the most deadly type of mass murder, resulting in 73 people's deaths, not including the assailants.

One-third of the offenders died at the scene of the killing or soon after, half from suicides.

About this Dataset

The Associated Press/USA TODAY/Northeastern University Mass Killings database tracks all U.S. homicides since 2006 involving four or more people killed (not including the offender) over a short period of time (24 hours) regardless of weapon, location, victim-offender relationship or motive. The database includes information on these and other characteristics concerning the incidents, offenders, and victims.

The AP/USA TODAY/Northeastern database represents the most complete tracking of mass murders by the above definition currently available. Other efforts, such as the Gun Violence Archive or Everytown for Gun Safety may include events that do not meet our criteria, but a review of these sites and others indicates that this database contains every event that matches the definition, including some not tracked by other organizations.

This data will be updated periodically and can be used as an ongoing resource to help cover these events.

Using this Dataset

To get basic counts of incidents of mass killings and mass shootings by year nationwide, use these queries:

Mass killings by year

Mass shootings by year

To get these counts just for your state:

Filter killings by state

Definition of "mass murder"

Mass murder is defined as the intentional killing of four or more victims by any means within a 24-hour period, excluding the deaths of unborn children and the offender(s). The standard of four or more dead was initially set by the FBI.

This definition does not exclude cases based on method (e.g., shootings only), type or motivation (e.g., public only), victim-offender relationship (e.g., strangers only), or number of locations (e.g., one). The time frame of 24 hours was chosen to eliminate conflation with spree killers, who kill multiple victims in quick succession in different locations or incidents, and to satisfy the traditional requirement of occurring in a “single incident.”

Offenders who commit mass murder during a spree (before or after committing additional homicides) are included in the database, and all victims within seven days of the mass murder are included in the victim count. Negligent homicides related to driving under the influence or accidental fires are excluded due to the lack of offender intent. Only incidents occurring within the 50 states and Washington D.C. are considered.

Methodology

Project researchers first identified potential incidents using the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR). Homicide incidents in the SHR were flagged as potential mass murder cases if four or more victims were reported on the same record, and the type of death was murder or non-negligent manslaughter.

Cases were subsequently verified utilizing media accounts, court documents, academic journal articles, books, and local law enforcement records obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Each data point was corroborated by multiple sources, which were compiled into a single document to assess the quality of information.

In case(s) of contradiction among sources, official law enforcement or court records were used, when available, followed by the most recent media or academic source.

Case information was subsequently compared with every other known mass murder database to ensure reliability and validity. Incidents listed in the SHR that could not be independently verified were excluded from the database.

Project researchers also conducted extensive searches for incidents not reported in the SHR during the time period, utilizing internet search engines, Lexis-Nexis, and Newspapers.com. Search terms include: [number] dead, [number] killed, [number] slain, [number] murdered, [number] homicide, mass murder, mass shooting, massacre, rampage, family killing, familicide, and arson murder. Offender, victim, and location names were also directly searched when available.

This project started at USA TODAY in 2012.

Contacts

Contact AP Data Editor Justin Myers with questions, suggestions or comments about this dataset at jmyers@ap.org. The Northeastern University researcher working with AP and USA TODAY is Professor James Alan Fox, who can be reached at j.fox@northeastern.edu or 617-416-4400.

The Balkan countries Montenegro and Albania have the highest murder rates with cases involving firearms in Europe. Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Sweden came third. The Scandinavian country has seen increasing levels of gang-related violence in recent years.

In 2023, there were ****** fatalities caused by injuries related to firearms in the United States, a slight decrease from the previous year. In 2021, there were ****** firearm deaths, the highest number of gun deaths ever recorded in the country. However, this figure has remained relatively high over the past 25 years, with ****** firearm deaths in 1990 and a slight dip in fatalities between 1999 and 2002. Firearms in the United States The right to own firearms in the United States is enshrined in the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and while this right may be seen as quintessentially American, the relationship between Americans and their firearms has become fraught in the last few years. The proliferation of mass shootings in the U.S. has brought the topic of gun control into the national spotlight, with support for banning assault-style weapons a particularly divisive issue among Americans. Gun control With a little less than **** of all Americans owning at least one firearm and the highest rate of civilian gun ownership in the world, it is easy to see how the idea of gun control is a political minefield in the U.S. However, public opinion has begun to shift over the past ten years, and a majority of Americans report that laws governing the sale of firearms should be stricter than they are now.

This dataset gives the average annual number of deaths during a year per 1,000 population at midyear; also known as crude death rate. This information was found at the CIA's World Factbook 2007. The site had this to say about death rate, "The death rate, while only a rough indicator of the mortality situation in a country, accurately indicates the current mortality impact on population growth. This indicator is significantly affected by age distribution, and most countries will eventually show a rise in the overall death rate, in spite of continued decline in mortality at all ages, as declining fertility results in an aging population." Source: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2010 Accessed: 9.17.07

This dataset shows where media and press are most free to express their views and opinions. Countries rankings are based on laws, violence, and deaths of reporters and journalists. This is a Different measure of freedom than the world freedom index but just as important. This dataset shows the availability of dissenting views and opinions allowed within a Country. Source URL: http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=11715

The average for 2017 based on 35 countries was 1.7 homicides per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Russia: 9.2 homicides per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Luxembourg: 0.3 homicides per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The United States had, by far, the highest homicide rate of the G7 countries between 2000 and 2023. In 2023, it reached 5.76 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease from 6.78 in 2021. By comparison, Canada, the G7 nation with the second-highest homicide rate, had 1.98 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. Out of each G7 nation, Japan had the lowest rate with 0.23 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Diseases of the Respiratory System: Effects are generally irritation and reduced lung function with increased incidence of respiratory disease, especially in more susceptible members of the population such as young children, the elderly and asthmatics. Diseases of the Respiratory System includes: ICD-9 BTL codes B31-B32, ICD-9 code CH08 for some ex-USSR countries, ICD-9 code C052 for China, ICD-10 codes J00-J99, European mortality indicator database (HFA-MDB), available at www.euro.who.int, for missing figures for some european countries: indicator "3250 Deaths, Diseases of the Respiratory System" The original dataset uses a value of -9999 to indicate no data available, i have substituted a value of 0. Online resource: http://geodata.grid.unep.ch URL original source: http://www3.who.int/whosis/mort/text/download.cfm?path=whosis,evidence,whsa,mort_download&language=english

Although much attention has been paid to the question of whether violent video games increase aggressive behaviour, little attention has been paid to how such games might encourage antecedents of gun violence. In this study, we examined how product placement, the attractive in-game presentation of certain real-world firearm brands, might encourage gun ownership, a necessary antecedent of gun violence. We sought to study how the virtual portrayal of a real-world firearm (the Bushmaster AR-15) could influence players' attitudes towards the AR-15 in specific and gun ownership in general. College undergraduates (N = 176) played one of four modified video games in a 2 (gun: AR-15 or science-fiction control) ×2 (gun power: strong or weak) between-subjects design. Despite collecting many outcomes and examining many potential covariates and moderators, experimental assignment did little to influence outcomes of product evaluations or purchasing intentions with regard to the AR-15. Attitudes towards public policy and estimation of gun safety were also not influenced by experimental condition, although these might have been better tested by comparison against a no-violence control condition. By contrast, gender and political party had dramatic associations with all outcomes. We conclude that, if product placement shapes attitudes towards firearms, such effects will need to be studied with stronger manipulations or more sensitive measures.

Crime Gun Intelligence Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global crime gun intelligence market size reached USD 1.87 billion in 2024, driven by rising investments in advanced forensic technologies and increasing incidences of gun-related crimes worldwide. The market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 9.2% from 2025 to 2033, reaching an estimated USD 4.14 billion by 2033. This growth is primarily attributed to the expanding adoption of integrated ballistics and firearm tracing solutions by law enforcement and security agencies, as well as the proliferation of data analytics platforms that enhance investigative capabilities and inter-agency collaboration.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the crime gun intelligence market is the escalating rate of firearm-related offenses and violent crimes globally. Urbanization, socio-economic disparities, and the proliferation of illegal firearms have intensified the need for sophisticated crime gun intelligence solutions. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly relying on advanced ballistics analysis, data analytics, and forensic services to identify, trace, and apprehend offenders efficiently. The integration of real-time data sharing and automated alerts across jurisdictions has dramatically improved crime resolution rates, making these technologies indispensable in modern policing and public safety strategies.

Another significant driver is the technological evolution within the crime gun intelligence landscape. The advent of cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms has revolutionized the way crime data is collected, analyzed, and utilized. These innovations enable rapid processing of ballistic evidence, seamless firearm tracing, and predictive analytics for crime prevention. Moreover, the deployment of mobile and remote solutions empowers field officers with immediate access to critical intelligence, thus enhancing operational agility and response times. The growing emphasis on digital transformation and cross-border intelligence sharing is further accelerating the adoption of these advanced solutions.

The market also benefits from robust government initiatives and funding aimed at strengthening forensic infrastructure and public safety frameworks. National and regional agencies are prioritizing the modernization of crime laboratories, investment in automated ballistics identification systems, and the establishment of centralized gun intelligence centers. These efforts are complemented by international collaborations that facilitate the exchange of crime gun data, particularly in regions grappling with transnational trafficking and organized crime. The ongoing support from public and private stakeholders, coupled with stringent regulatory mandates for gun crime reporting and investigation, continues to create a fertile environment for market growth.

Forensic Ballistic Imaging Systems are becoming increasingly vital in the crime gun intelligence market, offering unparalleled precision in matching ballistic evidence to specific firearms. These systems utilize advanced imaging technology to capture detailed images of bullet and cartridge case markings, which are then compared against extensive databases to identify potential matches. The integration of these systems into law enforcement operations enhances the ability to link multiple crime scenes and identify serial offenders with greater accuracy. As the technology continues to evolve, forensic ballistic imaging systems are expected to play a crucial role in streamlining investigative processes and improving the overall effectiveness of crime gun intelligence solutions. Their ability to provide rapid and reliable results makes them an indispensable tool for modern policing efforts.

Regionally, North America dominates the crime gun intelligence market, accounting for the largest revenue share in 2024, followed closely by Europe and the Asia Pacific. The United States, in particular, is at the forefront due to its high incidence of gun violence and substantial investments in forensic technologies. Europe is witnessing steady growth, fueled by cross-border security initiatives and the modernization of law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as a lucrative market, driven by rising crime rates, urbani

In 2023, 13,529 recorded murders in the United States were committed by firearm. This is a decrease from the previous year, when 12,244 homicides were committed with a firearm in the country. However, figures may not accurately reflect the total number of homicides, as not all law enforcement agencies in the U.S. submitted homicide data.

This dataset illustrates the number of wild animals with negative results for rabies, by country, from 1988 to 2006. A value of -1 means that no data was available. Source: World Health Organization URL: http://www.who.int/globalatlas/dataQuery/default.asp Date Accessed: October 24, 2007

The global gun market, valued at $5.95 billion in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by a combination of factors. Increased civilian demand for self-defense and personal security, fueled by rising crime rates and perceived threats in various regions, significantly contributes to market expansion. Furthermore, the robust demand for firearms from law enforcement agencies and military forces worldwide sustains market momentum. Emerging trends such as advancements in firearm technology, including improved accuracy, lighter weight designs, and smart gun technologies, are stimulating innovation and attracting consumers. However, stricter regulations regarding gun ownership and sales in certain countries, coupled with growing public awareness regarding gun violence and its societal impact, pose significant restraints on market growth. The market is segmented by firearm type (handguns, rifles, shotguns), by end-user (military, law enforcement, civilians), and by geographic region. Key players like Heckler & Koch, Mossberg, FN Herstal, and Ruger actively compete through product differentiation, technological advancements, and strategic partnerships. The competitive landscape is characterized by both established manufacturers and emerging players, leading to continuous innovation and market evolution. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.36%. This growth will likely be unevenly distributed across regions, with North America and Europe expected to maintain significant market shares, while other regions experience varying rates of expansion based on factors such as local legislation, economic conditions, and cultural norms. The market's future will be shaped by the interplay between rising demand, regulatory hurdles, technological advancements, and evolving societal attitudes towards firearm ownership. The market's sustained growth hinges on responsible manufacturing practices, stringent safety standards, and a proactive approach to addressing the societal implications of firearm ownership. This will be crucial for the long-term sustainability and ethical development of this sector. Notable trends are: Semi-Automatic/Automatic Segment to Have the Highest Growth Rate.

Gun Locks Market Outlook

The global gun locks market size was valued at approximately $1.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $1.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% during the forecast period. A significant growth factor for this market is the increasing awareness regarding gun safety and responsible gun ownership. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stringent laws and policies, mandating the use of gun locks to prevent accidental shootings, which is expected to drive market growth.

The rising concerns over gun-related accidents, especially involving children, have led to a heightened focus on gun safety measures. High-profile incidents of gun violence have spurred legislative actions that promote the use of gun locks, thereby boosting the market. Additionally, educational campaigns by non-profit organizations and government bodies aimed at promoting the safe storage of firearms are contributing to market expansion. These initiatives not only emphasize the importance of gun locks but also provide practical demonstrations on their usage, further supporting market growth.

Technological advancements in the design and functionality of gun locks are another major growth driver. Modern gun locks incorporate features such as biometric access, electronic locking mechanisms, and smart connectivity, enhancing their appeal to tech-savvy consumers. These innovations not only improve the security of firearms but also offer convenience and ease of use. The development of more durable and tamper-proof materials also adds to the market's growth prospects, as consumers increasingly seek reliable and long-lasting products.

The growing consumer base of firearm owners across various regions is also a significant factor propelling the gun locks market. As recreational shooting and hunting activities gain popularity, particularly in North America and Europe, the demand for gun safety solutions is on the rise. The expansion of civilian gun ownership in emerging markets such as Asia Pacific and Latin America further contributes to the increasing need for gun locks. Moreover, the rising disposable incomes in these regions allow consumers to invest in higher-quality and more advanced gun locks.

In addition to gun locks, the use of a Holster is another critical aspect of firearm safety and accessibility. Holsters are designed to securely hold a firearm in place, providing easy access while preventing accidental discharge. They come in various designs and materials, catering to different types of firearms and user preferences. The choice of a suitable holster can significantly enhance the safety and convenience of carrying a firearm, whether for personal protection, law enforcement, or recreational purposes. As the market for gun safety products continues to grow, the demand for high-quality and reliable holsters is also on the rise, driven by the increasing awareness of responsible gun ownership.

Regionally, North America held the largest share of the gun locks market in 2023, due to the high prevalence of firearm ownership and stringent safety regulations. Europe follows closely, benefiting from similar regulatory frameworks and a growing emphasis on gun safety. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by increasing civilian gun ownership and supportive government initiatives promoting gun safety. Other regions, such as Latin America and the Middle East & Africa, are also experiencing steady growth, bolstered by improving economic conditions and rising awareness of firearm safety.

Product Type Analysis

The gun locks market is segmented into various product types, including trigger locks, cable locks, lock boxes, gun safes, and others. Trigger locks are among the most commonly used gun locks due to their simplicity and affordability. They are designed to fit over the trigger mechanism of a firearm, preventing it from being discharged. Trigger locks are particularly popular among residential firearm owners who seek an easy-to-use and cost-effective safety solution. Despite their advantages, the effectiveness of trigger locks can be limited if not used correctly, necessitating proper education and awareness among users.

Cable locks, another widely used type of gun lock, offer versatility and enhanced security. These locks consist of a flexible cable that can be threaded through the firearm's

Turks and Caicos Islands saw a murder rate of ***** per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most dangerous country for this kind of crime worldwide as of 2024. Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 29 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Colima in Mexico was the most dangerous city for murders. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in Afghanistan or Syria. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly in some countries. Causes of death Also, noteworthy is that murders are usually not random events. In the United States, the circumstances of murders are most commonly arguments, followed by narcotics incidents and robberies. Additionally, murders are not a leading cause of death. Heart diseases, strokes and cancer pose a greater threat to life than violent crime.

This data set illustrates the Rabies presence by country from 1987 to 2006. The values represented are (1) for present, (0) not present, and (-1) no data available. Source: World Health Organization URL: http://www.who.int/globalatlas/dataQuery/reportData.asp?rptType=1 Date Accessed: October 24, 2007

In the United States, Black people have higher rates of gun homicide than White people across all age groups. As of 2022, gun homicide rates were highest among Black people aged between 15 and 24 years, at ***** gun homicides per 100,000 of the population. In comparison, there were only **** gun homicides per 100,000 of the White population within this age range. However, the risk for gun homicide was greatest among all adolescents and adults between the ages of 15 to 44 in that year. The impact of guns on young Americans In the last few years, firearms have become the leading cause of death for American children and teenagers aged one to 19 years old, accounting for more deaths than car crashes and diseases. School shootings also remain on the rise recently, with the U.S. recording ** times as many school shootings than other high-income nations from 2009 to 2018. Black students in particular experience a disproportionately high number of school shootings relative to their population, and K-12 teachers at schools made up mostly of students of color are more likely to report feeling afraid that they or their students would be a victim of attack or harm. The right to bear arms Despite increasingly high rates of gun-related violence, gun ownership remains a significant part of American culture, largely due to the fact that the right to bear arms is written into the U.S. Constitution. Although firearms are the most common murder weapon used in the U.S., accounting for approximately ****** homicides in 2022, almost **** of American households have at least one firearm in their possession. Consequently, it is evident that firearms remain easily accessible nationwide, even though gun laws may vary from state to state. However, the topic of gun control still causes political controversy, as the majority of Republicans agree that it is more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns, while Democrats are more inclined to believe that it is more important to limit gun ownership.

Market Overview:

The global guns safes market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2022 to 2030. The growth in the market can be attributed to the increasing demand for Gun Safes from law enforcement, military and defense, and other applications. In terms of type, the fingerprint safes segment is projected to grow at a higher CAGR than other segments during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing demand for fingerprint-based security systems from various end users.

Product Definition:

A gun safe is a secure container for firearms, ammunition, and firearm components. The importance of a gun safe is to protect the firearms from unauthorized access and use. These safes come in various sizes, materials, and locking mechanisms, and can also be customized to provide additional security. Also, many gun safes incorporate fire protection, which will protect the firearms from fire. So, in short, a gun safe is a secure container that will protect firearms from unauthorized access, theft, and fire.

Fingerprint Safes:

A fingerprint safe is a type of gun safe that provides added protection by requiring the user to place their hand on the sensor in order to open the safe. The technology used in these safes is quite complex and it includes an optical system, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a capacitive Fingerprint Sensor. These combined technologies are used to capture and store the unique pattern of a user's fingerprint, which is then used to open the safe when the user places their finger on the sensor.

Electronic Password Safes:

Electronic Password Safes for gun safes are a secure way to store firearms and other valuables. They provide an extra layer of protection, as the user will need to enter a secret code or use an RFID card in order to access the safe. Electronic password safes are much harder to crack than traditional combination locks, making them a great choice for those looking for additional security. Also, in the event of a power outage, the user can still access their safe, as most electronic password safes come equipped with backup batteries.

Mechanical Password Safes:

Mechanical Password Safes are used to provide an additional layer of security for gun safes. They feature a Combination Lock that can be opened using a code instead of a key. This allows for quick access to the safe in the event of an emergency, while also providing an extra layer of security that prevents unauthorized access to the safe. This type of locking mechanism also helps to deter theft, as it makes it difficult for someone to guess the combination.

Application Insights:

The law enforcement application segment dominated the global guns safes market in 2014 with a share of over 60% in terms of revenue. This is attributed to the increasing crime rate globally coupled with government initiatives to encourage citizens to keep firearms at home. U.S. Department of Justice National Institute of Justice has launched a study on the effects that gun-free zones have on crime rates around those areas which will help governments make better decisions about where they establish such zones.

Regional Analysis:

Asia Pacific is anticipated to be one of the fastest growing regional markets from 2022 to 2030 due to increasing crime rates coupled with government efforts towards enhancing personal safety among other factors that have led toward increased demand for such products over time. This region is also likely to witness a surge in the adoption of safety and security technologies among domestic and commercial users. Also, the rising purchasing power of consumers and rapid urbanization are likely to drive overall market growth.

Growth Factors:

• Increasing crime rates: The increasing crime rates are one of the primary growth drivers for the guns safes market. This is because, with the increase in crimes, people are looking for ways to protect their belongings and firearms from potential theft or damage.
• Growing awareness about gun safety: Gun safety has become a major concern among gun owners in recent years owing to rising incidences of accidental shootings across different geographies. As a result, there is growing awareness about the need for safe storage solutions such as gun safes among consumers worldwide.
• The rising popularity of shooting sports: The popularity of shooting sports is another key factor that is driving demand for gun safes globally. With an increase in participation in shooting sports events, there is an increased need for safe storage solutions to protec