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.

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 2013 to 2019, the United States had a gun homicide rate of 4.38 per 100,000 residents, the most out of any other G7 country. In comparison, Canada had a gun homicide rate of 0.67 per 100,000 residents while France had a gun homicide rate of 0.4 per 100,000 residents.

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.

THIS DATASET WAS LAST UPDATED AT 2:11 AM EASTERN ON JUNE 30

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.

Number and percentage of homicide victims, by type of firearm used to commit the homicide (total firearms; handgun; rifle or shotgun; fully automatic firearm; sawed-off rifle or shotgun; firearm-like weapons; other firearms, type unknown), Canada, 1974 to 2018.

Handguns are by far the most common murder weapon used in the United States, accounting for 7,159 homicides in 2023. This is followed by firearms of an unstated type, with 5,295 cases in that year. Why do murders happen in the U.S.? While most of the time the circumstances of murders in the U.S. remain unknown, homicides due to narcotics come in as the second most common circumstance – making them more common than, for example, gang killings. Despite these gruesome facts, the violent crime rate has fallen significantly since 1990, and the United States is much safer than it was in the 1980s and 1990s. Knife crime vs disease: Leading causes of death The death rate in the U.S. had hovered around the same level since 1990 until there was a large increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years. Heart disease, cancer, and accidents were the three leading causes of death in the country in 2022. The rate of death from heart disease is significantly higher than the homicide rate in the United States, at 167.2 deaths per 100,000 population compared to a 5.7 homicides per 100,000. Given just 1,562 murders were caused by knife crime, it is fair to say that heart disease is a far bigger killer in the U.S.

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.

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.

The number of homicides with firearms has been increasing in Brazil throughout the years up until 2017. In that year, approximately 47.51 thousand murders were committed with guns in the South American country, up from around 44.48 thousand homicides recorded a year earlier. However, by 2022 it had decreased to over 33,000

In 2022, 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.

Number and rate (per 100,000 population) of homicide victims, Canada and Census Metropolitan Areas, 1981 to 2023.

In 2023, 76.37 percent of homicides were committed by firearm in the United States, compared to 85.7 percent in 2021. This figure has been increasing since 2014, when 63.6 percent of homicides were committed by firearm. Firearms in the United States Firearms in the United States have become a large part of American culture. The Second Amendment of the Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. This amendment has been cited as a reason why gun control laws should not become stricter. However, many Americans are in favor of stricter gun control laws due to the increase of shootings in the country. Handguns were the most frequently used weapon used on murder victims in 2020, and overall, the United States was the country with the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms. Who owns firearms? Firearms are more popular in certain parts of the United States than others. Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in 2021, with Florida, Virginia, California, and Pennsylvania rounding out the top five. Firearm laws vary from state to state, which means it is easier to obtain a firearm in some states than in others. Gun owners in the United States are typically white, and men are more likely to personally own a gun than women.

Civilian Guns And Bullets Market Outlook

The global civilian guns and bullets market size was valued at approximately USD 7.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 10.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven primarily by increasing interest in personal safety and recreational activities such as hunting and sports shooting.

One of the key growth factors contributing to the expansion of the civilian guns and bullets market is the rising awareness and concern regarding personal security. With increasing instances of crime and social unrest globally, more individuals are investing in firearms for self-defense purposes. This trend is particularly prominent in regions with high crime rates and limited law enforcement presence, where civilians take extra measures to ensure their safety. Additionally, the relaxation of gun ownership laws in certain countries has also contributed to an upsurge in firearm purchases by civilians.

Moreover, the growing popularity of recreational activities such as hunting and sports shooting is another significant driver of the civilian guns and bullets market. These activities are becoming more mainstream, supported by various sporting events and hunting seasons that attract a large number of participants. Hunting has traditionally been a prominent activity in various cultures, and its popularity is being rejuvenated as a leisure pursuit and a means of maintaining ecological balance. Similarly, sports shooting is increasingly seen as a competitive sport, with shooting ranges and clubs experiencing a surge in membership.

Technological advancements in firearm and ammunition manufacturing are also playing a crucial role in market growth. Innovations such as lightweight materials, enhanced precision, and customizable firearms are making modern guns more attractive to consumers. These advancements not only improve the user experience but also enhance the safety and reliability of firearms, encouraging more people to invest in them. Furthermore, the development of more efficient and effective ammunition types is supporting the growth of the market.

In the context of increasing firearm ownership, the importance of a Pistol Case cannot be overstated. These cases provide essential protection for handguns, ensuring they remain in optimal condition and are safely stored when not in use. A quality pistol case not only safeguards the firearm from physical damage but also offers security features such as locks to prevent unauthorized access. As more individuals invest in firearms for personal protection and recreational use, the demand for reliable and durable pistol cases is on the rise. This trend is further supported by regulations in many regions that mandate secure storage of firearms, making pistol cases a necessary accessory for responsible gun ownership.

Regionally, the civilian guns and bullets market exhibits varied growth patterns. North America remains one of the largest markets due to the high prevalence of gun ownership and a strong culture of hunting and sports shooting. The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing disposable incomes and changing socio-economic conditions that favor recreational activities. European countries, with their stringent gun laws, present a more regulated market but still offer significant opportunities, particularly in sports shooting and hunting segments. Each region presents unique challenges and opportunities that shape the market dynamics.

Product Type Analysis

The civilian guns and bullets market is segmented by product type into handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ammunition. Handguns, including pistols and revolvers, are widely popular due to their compact size and ease of use. They are primarily used for self-defense and are favored by individuals seeking personal protection. The demand for handguns is particularly high in urban areas where the risk of crime is perceived to be higher. Additionally, handguns are often the preferred choice for concealed carry, driving their sales further.

Rifles, known for their long-range accuracy and power, are a significant segment of the civilian guns market. They are predominantly used for hunting and sports shooting. The po

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

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.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) collects crime reports from more than 500 New York State police and sheriffs’ departments. DCJS compiles these reports as New York’s official crime statistics and submits them to the FBI under the National Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. UCR uses standard offense definitions to count crime in localities across America regardless of variations in crime laws from state to state. In New York State, law enforcement agencies use the UCR system to report their monthly crime totals to DCJS. The UCR reporting system collects information on seven crimes classified as Index offenses which are most commonly used to gauge overall crime volume. These include the violent crimes of murder/non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault; and the property crimes of burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Firearm counts are derived from taking the number of violent crimes which involve a firearm. Population data are provided every year by the FBI, based on US Census information. Police agencies may experience reporting problems that preclude accurate or complete reporting. The counts represent only crimes reported to the police but not total crimes that occurred.

Shooting Gear Market Outlook

The global shooting gear market size was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 11.5 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032. This growth is driven by increasing participation in shooting sports and the rising demand for personal defense equipment.

One of the major growth factors in the shooting gear market is the rising popularity of shooting sports, such as competitive shooting and hunting, which has been fueled by increasing media coverage and the establishment of various shooting clubs and sports academies. As more people engage in these recreational activities, the demand for high-quality shooting gear, including firearms, ammunition, and protective gear, has surged. Moreover, the growing interest in shooting sports among women and younger demographics has diversified the consumer base, further encouraging market expansion.

Additionally, advancements in shooting gear technology have significantly contributed to market growth. Innovations in firearm design, ammunition lethality, and protective gear materials have enhanced the performance and safety of shooting gear, attracting both amateurs and professionals. The introduction of smart guns, which incorporate biometric sensors and GPS tracking, has also captured consumer interest, offering improved safety and accountability features. Manufacturers are continuously investing in research and development to introduce cutting-edge products, thereby driving market growth.

The increasing awareness and emphasis on personal safety and defense have also boosted the demand for shooting gear. Rising crime rates and security concerns have prompted individuals to purchase firearms and related protective gear for self-defense purposes. This trend is particularly prevalent in regions with high crime rates and stringent law enforcement policies. Consequently, the shooting gear market is witnessing substantial growth in the personal defense segment, as consumers prioritize their safety and well-being.

From a regional perspective, the shooting gear market is experiencing notable growth across different regions. North America remains a dominant market due to the high prevalence of gun ownership and a well-established sporting culture. Europe and the Asia Pacific regions are also showing significant potential, driven by increasing participation in shooting sports and stringent safety regulations. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets with growing consumer interest in shooting sports and personal defense. The regional outlook highlights the diverse growth opportunities present in different parts of the world, contributing to the overall expansion of the shooting gear market.

Product Type Analysis

The shooting gear market is segmented by product type into firearms, ammunition, protective gear, and accessories. Firearms form the cornerstone of the shooting gear market, encompassing a variety of rifles, shotguns, and handguns. The demand for firearms is driven by their application in hunting, competitive shooting, law enforcement, and personal defense. Technological advancements, such as the development of lightweight materials and precision engineering, have significantly improved firearm performance, making them more appealing to consumers. Furthermore, government regulations and policies play a pivotal role in shaping the firearms market, influencing sales and ownership regulations.

Ammunition is another critical segment within the shooting gear market. This category includes various types of bullets and cartridges used in different firearms. The ammunition segment is witnessing growth due to increasing demand from both recreational shooters and professionals. Innovations in ammunition design, such as the development of eco-friendly and high-velocity bullets, have enhanced the performance and safety of shooting activities. Additionally, the rising participation in shooting sports and hunting expeditions has fueled the demand for high-quality ammunition, contributing to the market's expansion.

Protective gear is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals engaged in shooting activities. This segment includes items such as ear protection, eye protection, and body armor. The growing awareness of safety measures and the implementation of stringent safety regulations have driven the demand for protective gear. Innovations in materials and design have led to the development of more comfortable and effective protective gear, making it more a

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.

In 2022, 31,103 White people in the United States died due to injuries caused by firearms. A further 14,189 Black people died due to injuries caused by firearms across the country in that year.