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.

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.

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.

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.

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, there were over 1.8 million assaults in the United States where personal weapons, such as hands, fists, or feet, were used. There were a further 149,766 assault offenses where handguns were used. What are firearms? Firearms are portable weapons used to shoot bullets. There are several different types of firearms, which include rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and pistols. Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, where some states have stricter laws than others. Each state has their own constitution, which allows them to have their own interpretation of the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Gun culture in the United States is a large part of certain regions, where they share similar attitudes and beliefs about firearms and their right to own them. Aggravated Assault Aggravated assault is an intended action to cause serious bodily harm to someone else. In 2023, New Mexico had the highest rate of aggravated assault in the U.S., with Alaska, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana rounding out the top five. In contrast, the reported violent crime rate has decreased significantly since 1990, meaning that the U.S. is safer now than it was thirty years ago.

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 2024.

Data tables relating to offences involving weapons as recorded by police and hospital episode statistics.

This table contains figures on the number of registered crimes per month and per year. These are broken down by type of crime and by municipality/neighbourhood. Attempts are also included in the recorded crimes. For some crimes (e.g. murder/homicide), this results in a much higher number than just the number of completed crimes. The data per municipality are presented for all years according to the municipal classification of 1 January 2024.

Since July 2018, it is no longer possible to record multiple offences, which are related to each other (concurrence), in one registration. An example of this is a street robbery in which a firearm (gun possession) is used. If several offences occur in one registration, only the most serious offence was counted before July 2018. As a result of this adjustment, a number of offences show an increase compared to 2018. This mainly concerns trespassing, special laws including money laundering, arms trafficking including possession of weapons, drug trafficking, violation of public order and other social integrity including insults. The increase was therefore mainly visible in the last 6 months of 2018. This adjustment has only a limited impact on the total number of crimes. For the whole of 2018, this causes an increase of approximately 1.0%. Since 30 April 2020, it is possible to report WhatsApp fraud via the Internet (also known as friend-in-emergency fraud). This was immediately used extensively. In the months of May to December 2020, approximately 20,000 reports of WhatsApp fraud were made.

The number of registered crimes fireworks 2023 is not final. In the first half of 2024, many incidents with retroactive effect will still be classified as a criminal offence and included in the census.

Declarations concern registered crimes for which a ‘reporting record’ has been drawn up. Several reports can be made per crime. Internet reporting can only be done for a selected number of offences and only if there is no detection indication.

Data available from: 2012

Status of figures: The figures in this table are regularly updated. This may result in minor differences with previous publications. Updating the figures is necessary, for example, in order to be able to retroactively process the reclassification of municipalities or the adjustment of coding. Figures on declarations and internet declarations are updated after each quarter.

Changes as of 15 November 2024: Figures for October have been added.

When will there be new figures? The figures for November are added on 16 December.

In 2024, ** people were killed in homicide cases involving firearms. ** people were killed in homicides in Norway that year, the second-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.

This table contains figures on the number of registered crimes per year. These are broken down by type of crime and by district and neighbourhood. Attempts are also included in the recorded crimes. For some crimes (e.g. murder/homicide), this results in a much higher number than the number of completed crimes. The data per neighborhood are presented for all years according to the neighborhood classification of 2023. This geographical refinement follows from the agreements made at the start of the publication of police figures in 2018.

The publication of sexual offences (including child pornography and child prostitution) is limited to annual totals per municipality, as agreed, in connection with the risk of disclosure.

Since July 2018, it is no longer possible to record multiple offences, which are related to each other (concurrence), in one registration. An example of this is a street robbery in which a firearm (gun possession) is used. If several offences occur in one registration, only the most serious offence was counted before July 2018. As a result of this adjustment, a number of offences show an increase compared to 2018. This mainly concerns trespassing (10%), special laws (9%) including money laundering, arms trafficking (16%) including possession of weapons, drug trafficking (5%), violation of public order (8%) and other social integrity (9%) including insults. The increase was therefore mainly visible in the last 6 months of 2018. This adjustment has only a limited impact on the total number of crimes. For 2018, this causes an increase of around 0.5%.

The number of registered crimes fireworks 2023 is not final. In the first half of 2024, many incidents with retroactive effect will still be classified as crimes in this offence and included in the census.

Data available from: 2012

Status of figures: The figures in this table are regularly updated. This may result in minor differences with previous publications. Updating the figures is necessary, for example, in order to be able to retroactively process the reclassification of municipalities or the adjustment of coding.

Changes as of 15 April 2024: Figures for 2023 have been updated.

When will there be new figures? January 2025 the figures for 2024 are added.

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

In Vehicle Gun Safes Market Outlook

The global market size for in vehicle gun safes was valued at approximately USD 450 million in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 850 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period. The increasing awareness regarding gun safety, coupled with stringent regulations and legislation on firearm storage, is driving this market's growth. Furthermore, the rise in vehicular thefts and the necessity for secure firearm storage during transit act as significant growth factors.

One of the pivotal growth factors propelling the in vehicle gun safes market is the enhanced awareness and education surrounding firearm safety. Governments and non-governmental organizations globally are advocating for secure firearm storage to prevent accidents and unauthorized access, particularly focusing on the transportation of firearms. This has spurred the adoption of gun safes within vehicles, as individuals seek to comply with regulations and ensure their firearms are securely stored while on the move. This heightened awareness and the proactive stance on gun safety are expected to significantly boost the market growth over the forecast period.

Technological advancements in locking mechanisms and materials also contribute substantially to market growth. Innovations such as biometric and digital lock systems offer enhanced security, making it difficult for unauthorized persons to access the firearms. These advancements not only provide peace of mind to firearm owners but also attract a broader customer base willing to invest in high-security solutions. Additionally, the use of robust and lightweight materials like aluminum and composite materials has made these safes more durable and easier to install in various vehicle types, further driving market growth.

The increasing rate of vehicular thefts and break-ins has also led to a surge in demand for in vehicle gun safes. As individuals become more concerned about the security of their valuables, including firearms, during transit, the adoption of secure storage solutions within vehicles has become imperative. According to recent statistics, there has been a notable rise in vehicle break-ins, which has heightened the need for secure storage solutions to protect against theft and unauthorized access. This trend is expected to continue driving the market for in vehicle gun safes in the coming years.

From a regional perspective, North America is anticipated to hold the largest market share due to the high prevalence of firearm ownership and stringent regulations regarding firearm storage in vehicles. The United States, in particular, has seen significant legislative efforts focusing on gun safety and secure storage, which has bolstered the market for in vehicle gun safes. Europe and Asia Pacific are also expected to witness significant growth, driven by increasing safety concerns and rising disposable income, which enables consumers to invest in such security solutions. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America, while smaller in market share, are projected to grow steadily due to improving economic conditions and increasing awareness about firearm safety.

In addition to the growing demand for in vehicle gun safes, the market for Vault Doors is also experiencing significant growth. Vault doors are essential for providing high-security solutions in various settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications. These doors are designed to protect valuable assets, such as firearms, documents, and other sensitive items, from unauthorized access and theft. The increasing focus on security and safety, driven by rising crime rates and the need to safeguard personal and organizational assets, has led to a surge in demand for robust vault doors. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to enhance the security features of vault doors, incorporating advanced locking mechanisms and materials to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Product Type Analysis

The in vehicle gun safes market is segmented into various product types, including biometric gun safes, combination lock gun safes, key lock gun safes, and digital lock gun safes. Biometric gun safes are gaining significant traction due to their advanced security features and ease of access. These safes use fingerprint recognition technology to grant access, ensuring that only authorized users can open them. This type of locking mechanism is highly secure and virtually eliminates t

Knives or other sharp objects were involved in ** percent of homicides in England and Wales in 2023/24, the most of any method of killing. Homicides which involved hitting or kicking without a weapon made up **** percent of homicides, while shootings were identified as the method in *** percent of homicides. Overall, there were *** homicides in this reporting year, which was slightly lower than in the previous year, when there were ***, but noticeably higher than in 2014/15, when there were ***. Firearm homicides rare in England and Wales In 2023/24, there were *** knife homicides in England and Wales, compared with *** in 2021/22, which was the highest figure recently. By comparison, homicides which involved the use of a firearm were far less common, with just ** in the 2023/24 reporting year. Due to strict gun laws and low levels of ownership, the UK contrasts starkly with the United States, which has struggled with high levels of gun violence. Although some specialist police officers in England and Wales are licensed to carry firearms, the majority of police officers are unarmed. In 2023/24, for example, there were just ***** armed police, out of around ******* police officers. Overall knife crime on the rise Like many other types of crime, knife crime offences in the ***** started to decline at the start of the decade before creeping up again from 2014 onwards, reaching almost ****** in 2019/20. In London, where much of the media’s attention on knife crime is focused, there were ****** knife crime offences alone in 2019/20. Although this fell during subsequent reporting years, which were influenced by COVID-19 restrictions, it remains to be seen if the trend will continue. In 2023/24, the number of knife offences in the capital was higher than in any other year since 2019/20.

Number, percentage and rate (per 100,000 population) of homicide victims, by racialized identity group (total, by racialized identity group; racialized identity group; South Asian; Chinese; Black; Filipino; Arab; Latin American; Southeast Asian; West Asian; Korean; Japanese; other racialized identity group; multiple racialized identity; racialized identity, but racialized identity group is unknown; rest of the population; unknown racialized identity group), gender (all genders; male; female; gender unknown) and region (Canada; Atlantic region; Quebec; Ontario; Prairies region; British Columbia; territories), 2019 to 2024.

In 2023, **** 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 ** gun shooting incidents reported in 2014. ***** people died from gun shooting incidents in 2023. 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 2023, about ******* guns were owned with licenses among citizens across the country. The number of confiscated weapons in 2023 amounted to *** pistols, ***** hunting guns, and ** 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.

According to Cognitive Market Research, The Global Self-Defense Products market size is USD 2.7 billion in 2023 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.80% from 2023 to 2030.

The demand for self-defense products market is rising due to the rising number of crimes targeting women, as well as incidents of theft and robbery.
Demand for pepper sprays remains higher in the self-defense products market.
The online category held the highest self-defense products marketrevenue share in 2023.
North America will continue to lead, whereas the Asia Pacific self-defense products market will experience the strongest growth until 2030.

Rising Concerns About Personal Safety to Provide Viable Market Output

The Self-Defense Products Market is the increasing concerns about personal safety and security. In an era marked by rising crime rates, social unrest, and growing awareness of personal vulnerabilities, individuals are seeking ways to protect themselves. This has led to a surge in demand for self-defense products, including pepper sprays, stun guns, personal alarms, tasers, and non-lethal weapons.

Byrna Technologies Inc. announced that it has acquired the assets of Fox Labs International Inc.Fox Labs, which has been in business for more than 30 years, produces what is arguably the strongest pepper spray on the market today, catering primarily to law enforcement and other security professionals.

(Source:www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/byrna-technologies-acquires-the-assets-of-fox-labs-international-301555450.html)

The desire for personal safety is not limited to any specific demographic; it cuts across age groups and genders as people seek to enhance their sense of security in various situations, such as while commuting, jogging, or navigating unfamiliar environments. Additionally, the impact of high-profile incidents and growing awareness about self-defense options have contributed to the expansion of this market.

Technological Advancements and Product Innovation to Propel Market Growth

The self-defense products market is continuous technological advancements and product innovation. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create more effective, user-friendly, and discrete self-defense products. This includes the integration of smart technology, such as mobile app connectivity and GPS tracking, into personal safety devices. Additionally, the market has seen advancements in the design and manufacturing of less-lethal weapons that offer increased accuracy and reduced risks to both users and potential assailants. Furthermore, the development of compact, portable, and easily concealable self-defense products is making them more accessible and convenient for users.

Growing Trend of Womens Safety Fuels the Market Growth

Key Dynamics of

Self-Defense Products Market

Key Drivers of

Self-Defense Products Market

Increasing concerns about personal safety in urban and high-crime areas: With the increase in incidents of assault, theft, and gender-based violence, individuals—particularly women and seniors—are actively seeking accessible protection tools. The demand for pepper sprays, stun guns, personal alarms, and tactical flashlights is rising due to heightened awareness of personal safety.

Supportive government regulations and legal acceptance in numerous regions: A growing number of countries now permit the possession and use of non-lethal self-defense products with few restrictions, which is enhancing their acceptance and availability through both physical and online retail channels.

Rising participation of women in the workforce and trends in solo travel: As an increasing number of women join the workforce and participate in solo travel, there is a heightened demand for compact, discreet, and user-friendly self-defense tools. This demographic shift is significantly impacting purchasing behavior in urban and semi-urban areas.

Key Restraints for

Self-Defense Products Market

Diverse legal restrictions across various countries and states: The laws governing the use and possession of self-defense tools such as tasers, batons, or pepper sprays differ significantly, which limits product availability and creates challenges for manufacturers and exporters in regulated markets.

Concerns regarding misuse and accidental harm: Improper handling or untrained use o...

Number and rate (per 100,000 population) of homicide victims, Canada and Census Metropolitan Areas, 1981 to 2024.

Note: Due to a system migration, this data will cease to update on March 14th, 2023. At this time we are updating this dataset manually once per month as resources allow. For real time crime data please utilize communitycrimemap.comA list of all uniform citations from the Louisville Metro Police Department, the CSV file is updated daily, including case number, date, location, division, beat, offender demographics, statutes and charges, and UCR codes can be found in this Link.INCIDENT_NUMBER or CASE_NUMBER links these data sets together:Crime DataUniform Citation DataFirearm intakeLMPD hate crimesAssaulted OfficersCITATION_CONTROL_NUMBER links these data sets together:Uniform Citation DataLMPD Stops DataNote: When examining this data, make sure to read the LMPDCrime Data section in our Terms of Use.AGENCY_DESC - the name of the department that issued the citationCASE_NUMBER - the number associated with either the incident or used as reference to store the items in our evidence rooms and can be used to connect the dataset to the following other datasets INCIDENT_NUMBER:1. Crime Data2. Firearms intake3. LMPD hate crimes4. Assaulted OfficersNOTE: CASE_NUMBER is not formatted the same as the INCIDENT_NUMBER in the other datasets. For example: in the Uniform Citation Data you have CASE_NUMBER 8018013155 (no dashes) which matches up with INCIDENT_NUMBER 80-18-013155 in the other 4 datasets.CITATION_YEAR - the year the citation was issuedCITATION_CONTROL_NUMBER - links this LMPD stops dataCITATION_TYPE_DESC - the type of citation issued (citations include: general citations, summons, warrants, arrests, and juvenile)CITATION_DATE - the date the citation was issuedCITATION_LOCATION - the location the citation was issuedDIVISION - the LMPD division in which the citation was issuedBEAT - the LMPD beat in which the citation was issuedPERSONS_SEX - the gender of the person who received the citationPERSONS_RACE - the race of the person who received the citation (W-White, B-Black, H-Hispanic, A-Asian/Pacific Islander, I-American Indian, U-Undeclared, IB-Indian/India/Burmese, M-Middle Eastern Descent, AN-Alaskan Native)PERSONS_ETHNICITY - the ethnicity of the person who received the citation (N-Not Hispanic, H=Hispanic, U=Undeclared)PERSONS_AGE - the age of the person who received the citationPERSONS_HOME_CITY - the city in which the person who received the citation livesPERSONS_HOME_STATE - the state in which the person who received the citation livesPERSONS_HOME_ZIP - the zip code in which the person who received the citation livesVIOLATION_CODE - multiple alpha/numeric code assigned by the Kentucky State Police to link to a Kentucky Revised Statute. For a full list of codes visit: https://kentuckystatepolice.org/crime-traffic-data/ASCF_CODE - the code that follows the guidelines of the American Security Council Foundation. For more details visit https://www.ascfusa.org/STATUTE - multiple alpha/numeric code representing a Kentucky Revised Statute. For a full list of Kentucky Revised Statute information visit: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/CHARGE_DESC - the description of the type of charge for the citationUCR_CODE - the code that follows the guidelines of the Uniform Crime Report. For more details visit https://ucr.fbi.gov/UCR_DESC - the description of the UCR_CODE. For more details visit https://ucr.fbi.gov/