In recent years, gun violence in the United States has become an alarmingly common occurrence. From 2016, there has been over 10,000 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 29.4 percent, followed by Louisiana, at 28.1 percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of 3.7 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 80 percent of Democrats believing that it was more important to limit gun ownership while 74 percent of Republicans felt that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns.

As of January 22, one school shooting was recorded in the United States in 2025, impacting K-12 school grounds and college campuses nationwide. In comparison, there were 83 school shooting incidents recorded in 2024. In addition to schools, gun-related violence occurs in many public places within the United States, including workplaces, churches, restaurants, and nightclubs. The source defines school shootings as incidents of gun violence which occurred on school property and at least one person was shot, not including the shooter. School property includes, but is not limited to, buildings, fields, parking lots, stadiums and buses. Accidental discharges of firearms are included, as long as at least one person is shot, but not if the sole shooter is law enforcement or school security.

California led the way in gun safety in the United States as of January 2025, with a composite score of 90.5 based on the presence of 50 key gun safety policies. Massachusetts followed, with a score of 86.5, while Illinois rounded out the top three with a score of 85.5. Illinois joins the no-assault weapons club In 2023, Illinois came in seventh place for gun law strength; by 2024, this ranking rose to third, signifying that the state holds some of the strongest gun safety laws nationwide. However, this swift rise up the ranks also suggests that Illinois is still taking action against gun violence, particularly after seven people were killed and dozens were injured in a mass shooting in Chicago during a Fourth of July parade in 2022. In recent years, Illinois has consistently improved state legislation on gun safety and has enacted multiple measures to prevent further harm from firearms, including a statewide ban on assault weapons which was approved in January 2023. The Midwestern state joined eight other states, as well as Washington, D.C., which prohibits military-style weapons. Permissive open carry states dominate the bottom of the class Receiving less than five points each, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Idaho represent the lowest composite score for gun law strength nationwide. Arkansas, Mississippi, and Idaho are among the 25 U.S. states that do not require any permit to carry concealed guns in public, and are permissive open carry states as well. Moreover, these states do not require a permit or a background check to purchase a handgun and also neglect to necessitate any firearm safety training before making the purchase. Such gun safety laws are considered crucial to ensure that firearms are handled properly and do not cause anyone harm. However, it is also important to note that countries with strong safety measures may still experience high rates of gun violence due to illegal gun trafficking. As a result, taking legal action may not fully address all gun-related violence in the area, especially if there remains an illicit way for people to obtain a gun without restriction.

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.

From 2008 to March 6, 2024, the District of Columbia had the highest rate of school shootings nationwide, totaling around 0.7 school shootings per 100,000 residents. Louisiana, Delaware, Alabama, and Maryland rounded out the top five states with the highest school shooting rates relative to their populations. In contrast, there were no school shootings recorded in Montana, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island within the provided time period. In addition to K-12 schools and college campuses, gun-related violence in the United States often occurs at workplaces, places of worship, and restaurants and bars.

The source defines school shootings as incidents of gun violence which occurred on school property, from kindergartens through colleges/universities, and at least one person was shot, not including the shooter. School property includes, but is not limited to, buildings, fields, parking lots, stadiums and buses. Accidental discharges of firearms are included, as long as at least one person is shot, but not if the sole shooter is law enforcement or school security.

As of December 9, 314 school shooting incidents were recorded in K-12 schools in the United States in 2024. Within the provided time period, the greatest number of K-12 school shootings was recorded in 2023, at 349. The source defines a school shooting as every time a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims (including zero), time, day or the week, or reason, including gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after hours school events, suicides, fights that escalate into shootings, and accidents.

The smart gun market, valued at $286.88 million in 2025, is poised for substantial growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.07% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing concerns about accidental shootings and gun violence are fueling demand for enhanced safety features. Technological advancements in biometric authentication, RFID technology, and smart locking mechanisms are making smart guns more reliable and user-friendly. Furthermore, government regulations promoting firearm safety and stricter licensing requirements are indirectly boosting the market. The North American region, particularly the U.S., is expected to dominate the market due to its high gun ownership rates and a relatively mature technological landscape for integrating advanced security features. However, high initial costs associated with smart gun technology and concerns about potential malfunctions remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The market segmentation reveals a strong focus on advanced technologies like RFID and biometrics for enhanced security and user authentication. Geographically, North America and Europe are currently leading the market, but the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, is projected to experience significant growth due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing awareness of safety concerns. Major players like Biofire Technologies, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin are actively involved in research, development, and commercialization, contributing to the market's dynamic evolution. While challenges remain, the overall market trajectory suggests a positive outlook driven by the confluence of technological innovation, safety concerns, and supportive regulatory environments. The forecast period of 2025-2033 offers considerable opportunity for companies in the industry to further innovate and address existing limitations to accelerate market penetration.

The global firearms control system market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing concerns over firearms safety and security, coupled with advancements in technology. The market, estimated at $2.5 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the rising adoption of smart firearms control systems, offering enhanced features like biometric authentication and remote disabling capabilities, is significantly impacting market expansion. Secondly, stringent government regulations and initiatives aimed at curbing gun violence are creating substantial demand for sophisticated control systems across various sectors, including military and national defense. The legacy system segment currently holds a larger market share, but the smart system segment is witnessing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing affordability. Geographic expansion is also contributing to market growth, with North America and Europe currently dominating the market, while regions like Asia-Pacific are demonstrating substantial growth potential due to increasing government spending on security and rising adoption rates. However, the market faces certain restraints, including high initial investment costs associated with system implementation and integration, as well as cybersecurity concerns related to the data security of the systems. Further analysis reveals that the application segments (military and national defense) both contribute significantly to the overall market value, with military applications slightly outweighing national defense due to larger-scale procurement and deployment. Type segments (legacy and smart systems) represent distinct technological approaches, with smart systems exhibiting higher growth potential driven by the aforementioned technological advancements and evolving security requirements. The regional distribution reveals a significant presence in North America and Europe, reflecting mature markets with established regulations and high adoption rates. However, the Asia-Pacific region presents a significant opportunity for future growth, given the increasing investments in security infrastructure and technological advancements in the region. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued market growth, underpinned by ongoing technological innovation and a rising global focus on firearms safety and security.

Number of homicide victims, by method used to commit the homicide (total methods used; shooting; stabbing; beating; strangulation; fire (burns or suffocation); other methods used; methods used unknown), Canada, 1974 to 2023.

The deadliest school shooting in the United States as of September 4, 2024, was the Virginia Tech massacre, with 32 fatalities and 23 injuries. The next deadliest school shooting (based on fatalities) was the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, with 27 fatalities. School shootings in the U.S. Mass shootings in the United States have become a disturbingly common occurrence, and sadly, so have school shootings. The Columbine school shooting is perhaps the most famous in the country’s history, and since 1999 (when the shooting occurred), the number of school shootings has only increased. Many measures have been used to try to prevent school shootings, including security guards and metal detectors being deployed in schools, and even the suggestion that teachers be allowed to carry guns in schools. Gun control Gun control in the United States is a sticky issue, since gun ownership is enshrined in the Constitution. Some advocate for stricter gun control laws to try to prevent future mass shootings, while others say that this is unconstitutional. Gun ownership rates in the U.S. are high, with the share of American households owning at least one firearm remaining relatively steady since 1972.

In 2023, 11 people were killed in homicide cases involving firearms. 38 people were killed in homicides in Norway that year, the joint-highest during the period under consideration. The number of homicide cases in total and the number of cases involving firearms have remained relatively stable since 2014. In total, 38 people were murdered in Norway in 2023.

Victims of gang-related homicides (total number of homicide victims; number of homicide victims - unknown gang-relation; number of homicide victims - known gang relation; number of gang-related homicide victims; percentage of gang-related homicide victims; rate (per 100,000 population) of gang-related homicide victims), Canada and regions, 1999 to 2023.

As of September 4, there were two mass shootings in the United States in 2024. This is compared to one mass shooting in 1982, one in 2000, and 12 mass shootings in 2022 and 2023. School shootings The United States sees the most school shootings in the world. Some motivations for school shootings included depression, seeking revenge, and bullying. As a result of the large amount of school shootings, gun control has become a central topic in U.S. politics. This widespread problem happens across the United States; however California saw the highest number of K-12 school shootings in the United States since 1970. However, the deadliest school shooting (as of October 2023) was the Virginia Tech massacre in 2007. This tragedy left 33 dead and 23 injured. Mass shooting issues Mass shootings happen when there are several injuries or deaths from a firearm-related violence. Throughout the last century, mass shootings have become an epidemic in the United States. However, despite the increase in mass shootings and number of casualties, the U.S. government has done little to prevent future shootings from happening. As a result of the lack of cooperation in politics, mass shootings have become an important issue for Generation Z living in the United States. Furthermore, having the right to bear arms is a popular belief in the U.S. and the percentage of households in the United States owning at least one firearm has remained somewhat steady since 1972.

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Self Defense Products Market Size 2025-2029

The self defense products market size is forecast to increase by USD 937.2 million at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to escalating personal safety concerns and increasing government initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety of citizens. Key components of this market include steel knives, electrical weapons, LED tactical flashlights, and self defense sprays made of substances like titanium and salt. Market trends indicate a rise in demand for high-quality, durable self defense tools, such as those made of stainless steel and other materials. However, the market also faces challenges, including the proliferation of fraudulent and counterfeit products. These substandard items pose a risk to consumers and undermine the credibility of legitimate product manufacturers.
As a result, there is a growing need for stricter regulations and quality control measures to ensure the authenticity and safety of self-defense products. Moreover, the advent of e-commerce platforms has transformed the way self-defense products are bought and sold. Consumers can now easily access a wide range of self-defense tools online, making it essential for manufacturers to establish a strong online presence and optimize their e-commerce strategies to stay competitive. The market is driven by increasing safety concerns and government initiatives, with key components including steel knives, electrical weapons, LED tactical flashlights, self-defense sprays, and plastic-based products. Plastic components are increasingly being used for various self-defense tools, such as lightweight, durable handles and holsters, contributing to product accessibility and affordability.

What will be the Size of the Self Defense Products Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a range of non-lethal solutions designed to deter or incapacitate attackers during instances of violence or social unrest. Factors driving market growth include urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increasing awareness of personal safety. Technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning, have led to the development of innovative products like stun guns, tasers, and electroshock weapons. However, product liability concerns and social stigma surrounding these devices may limit market penetration. Political instability and social unrest in various regions contribute to the demand for self-defense products. Martial arts instruction and training courses remain popular offline channels for learning techniques, while online retail platforms offer convenience and accessibility.
Durability, non-fatal options, and ease of use are key considerations for consumers. Misuse and potential for misinterpretation of products can result in legal consequences. Self defense products cater to various needs, including temporary blindness from pepper spray, tactical gloves, folding knives, and projectile solutions. Strict laws and regulations governing the sale and use of these products vary by region.

How is this Self Defense Products Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Folding knives
  Tactical gloves
  Pepper sprays
  Stun guns
  Others


Material

  Metal
  Polymer and plastic
  Chemical-based


End-user

  Law enforcement
  Civilians
  Security personnel
  Military and defense


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America



  Middle East and Africa

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market encompasses a range of tools and techniques designed to enhance personal safety and security. Offline distribution channels remain significant in this market due to consumer preferences for tactile experiences and immediate access to products. Brick-and-mortar establishments, such as shops and sporting goods outlets, offer expert advice and product demonstrations, instilling confidence in customers. Additionally, offline companies adhere to local regulations and age restrictions, ensuring responsible sales of self-defense equipment. The products include pepper sprays, stun guns, personal alarms, and other safety gadgets. In 2024, market leaders continued to prioritize offline distribution channels, recognizing the importance of in-person interactions and local regulations.

This market caters to various demographics, including women, seniors, kids, and beginn

The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between 37 percent and 47 percent. In 2023, about 42 percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession.

Additional information on firearms in the United States

Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the second amendment to the constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons.

Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison the other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change in regards to the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobby for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.

In the United States, gun laws vary from one state to the next; whether residents need a permit or a background check to purchase a firearm, whether residents must undergo firearm training before making this purchase, and whether residents can openly carry their guns in public is dependent upon state legislation. As of 2024, 22 U.S. states required background checks and/or permits for the purchase of a handgun. A further 13 states had regulations on openly carrying firearms in public, however, only California, Connecticut, Florida, and Illinois had completely prohibited open carry for all firearms. In comparison, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York prohibited open carry for handguns but either did not have regulations in place or required a permit for other types of guns. A constitutional right The Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms, has made it difficult for any gun control legislation to be passed on a national level in the United States. As a result, gun control laws in the U.S. are state-based, and often differ based on political perspectives. States with strong gun laws in place, such as Massachusetts, generally experience less gun violence, however, some states with strong gun laws, such as Maryland, continue to face high rates of gun violence, which has largely been attributed to gun trafficking activity found throughout the nation. A culture of gun owners In comparison to other high-income countries with stricter gun control laws, the United States has the highest gun homicide rate at 4.38 gun homicides per 100,000 residents. However, despite increasing evidence that easy access to firearms, whether legal or illegal, encourages higher rates of gun violence, the United States continues to foster an environment in which owning a firearm is seen as a personal freedom. Almost half of U.S. households have reported owning at least one firearm and 43 percent of registered voters in the U.S. were found to believe that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns, compared to 23 percent who said it was more important to limit gun ownership.

Between 1982 and September 2024, 82 out of the 151 mass shootings in the United States were carried out by White shooters. By comparison, the perpetrator was African American in 26 mass shootings, and Latino in 12. When calculated as percentages, this amounts to 54 percent, 17 percent, and eight percent respectively. Race of mass shooters reflects the U.S. population Broadly speaking, the racial distribution of mass shootings mirrors the racial distribution of the U.S. population as a whole. While a superficial comparison of the statistics seems to suggest African American shooters are over-represented and Latino shooters underrepresented, the fact that the shooter’s race is unclear in around nine percent of cases, along with the different time frames over which these statistics are calculated, means no such conclusions should be drawn. Conversely, looking at the mass shootings in the United States by gender clearly demonstrates that the majority of mass shootings are carried out by men. Mass shootings and mental health With no clear patterns between the socio-economic or cultural background of mass shooters, increasing attention has been placed on mental health. Analysis of the factors Americans considered to be to blame for mass shootings showed 80 percent of people felt the inability of the mental health system to recognize those who pose a danger to others was a significant factor. This concern is not without merit – in over half of the mass shootings since 1982, the shooter showed prior signs of mental health issues, suggesting improved mental health services may help deal with this horrific problem. Mass shootings and guns In the wake of multiple mass shootings, critics have sought to look beyond the issues of shooter identification and their influences by focusing on their access to guns. The majority of mass shootings in the U.S. involve firearms which were obtained legally, reflecting the easy ability of Americans to purchase and carry deadly weapons in public. Gun control takes on a particular significance when the uniquely American phenomenon of school shootings is considered. The annual number of incidents involving firearms at K-12 schools in the U.S. was over 100 in each year since 2018. Conversely, similar incidents in other developed countries exceptionally rare, with only five school shootings in G7 countries other than the U.S. between 2009 and 2018.

In 2023, nine cases of incidents involving the discharge of firearms were reported in Japan. Although figures fluctuated from year to year, this continued a general downward trend after the decade-high number of 32 gun shooting incidents reported in 2014. Seven people died from gun shooting incidents that year. Gun control Gun possession for general citizens in Japan is strictly regulated under the Act for Controlling the Possession of Firearms or Swords and Other Such Weapons enacted in 1958. According to the act, gun possession is only allowed for hunting and shooting sports purposes. The only firearms permitted for ownership are hunting rifles, shotguns, other hunting guns, and air guns. It is required to undergo numerous procedures to obtain a gun permit, such as providing a resume and a medical certificate from a psychiatrist, attending classroom lectures and technical training, and passing exams. Applicants must repeat similar procedures every three years to renew the permit. As of 2022, about 183.5 thousand guns were owned with licenses among citizens across the country. The number of confiscated weapons in 2022 amounted to 321 pistols, 35 hunting guns, and 10 air guns. Killing of Shinzo Abe Ex-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, was shot and killed in July 2022. The incident marked the first assassination of a former Japanese prime minister since 1936. The suspect used a homemade gun created with DIY store materials. Following the incident, experts suggest tightening the security system for politicians and regulations for handmade or modified guns.

Sadly, the trend of fatal police shootings in the United States seems to only be increasing, with a total 1,173 civilians having been shot, 248 of whom were Black, as of December 2024. In 2023, there were 1,164 fatal police shootings. Additionally, the rate of fatal police shootings among Black Americans was much higher than that for any other ethnicity, standing at 6.1 fatal shootings per million of the population per year between 2015 and 2024. Police brutality in the U.S. In recent years, particularly since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014, police brutality has become a hot button issue in the United States. The number of homicides committed by police in the United States is often compared to those in countries such as England, where the number is significantly lower. Black Lives Matter The Black Lives Matter Movement, formed in 2013, has been a vocal part of the movement against police brutality in the U.S. by organizing “die-ins”, marches, and demonstrations in response to the killings of black men and women by police. While Black Lives Matter has become a controversial movement within the U.S., it has brought more attention to the number and frequency of police shootings of civilians.

In 2019, there were six deaths by homicide per 100,000 of the population in the United States, compared to 5.9 deaths by homicide in the previous year. This is an increase from 1950, when there were 5.1 deaths by homicide per 100,000 resident population in the United States. However, within the provided time period, the death rate for homicide in the U.S. was highest in 1980, when there were 10.4 deaths by homicide per 100,000 of the population in the United States.

Homicides in the United States

The term homicide is used when a human being is killed by another human being. Criminal homicide takes several forms, for example murder; but homicide is not always a crime, it also includes affirmative defense, insanity, self-defense or the execution of convicted criminals. In the United States, youth homicide has especially been seen as a problem of urban areas, due to poverty, limited adult supervision, involvement in drug and gang activities, and school failure. Both homicide rates and suicide rates in the U.S. among people aged 20 to 24 and teenagers aged 15 to 19 have vastly increased since 2001.