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, about 1,459 homicides were committed with the use of firearms in Texas. A further 1,334 homicides were committed with a firearm in California in that year. A ranking of the total number of murders by U.S. state can be found here.

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.

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.

THIS DATASET WAS LAST UPDATED AT 2:11 AM EASTERN ON JULY 15

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.

From 2008 to April 25, 2025, the District of Columbia had the highest rate of school shootings nationwide, totaling around **** school shootings per 100,000 residents. Louisiana, Delaware, Maryland, and Alabama 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.

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.

Context

The Gun Violence Archive is an online archive of gun violence incidents collected from over 2,000 media, law enforcement, government and commercial sources daily in an effort to provide near-real time data about the results of gun violence. GVA in an independent data collection and research group with no affiliation with any advocacy organization.

Content

This dataset includes files that separate gun violence incidents by category, including deaths and injuries of children and teens, and a collection of mass shootings.

Inspiration

• What has been the trend of gun violence in the past few years?
• What states have the highest incidents per capita per year? How has this metric changed over time?
• Are officer involved shootings on the rise? Where are they most concentrated? Do they correlate with the rates of accidental deaths and mass shootings?

Acknowledgements

This dataset is owned by the Gun Violence Archive, and can be accessed in its original form here.

As of September 2024, California had the most mass shootings in the United States, with 26 total shootings since 1982. The source defines a mass shooting as a shooting where three or more people were killed. Recently, a mass shooting occurred in the state of Maine on October 26, 2023, during which one of the highest number of fatalities from a mass shooting was recorded after Robert Card opened fire in a bowling alley and a bar, killing 18 and injuring 13 others. Firearms in the U.S. Mass shootings in the United States are disturbingly common. In comparison with other Western countries, there are significantly more shootings in the U.S., which some theorize is due to the relatively lax gun control laws. Gun control laws in the U.S. are dependent on the state, and the right to own a firearm is enshrined in the United States Constitution. Mass shootings The worst mass shooting in the U.S. was the Las Vegas Strip massacre in 2017, which resulted in 58 deaths and 546 injuries. 13 of the worst mass shootings in the United States have occurred since 2015 and the vast majority of these incidents in the U.S. have been carried out by shooters who are White and male.

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 recent years there has been an increase in the rate of firearm-related deaths in the United States. In 2021, there were 14.7 such deaths per 100,000 population. This is the highest rate seen since the early 1990s. Firearm deaths Firearm-related deaths are much more common among males than females, with almost 81,000 firearm deaths among males in the United States in 2021, compared to just 13,200 among females. Those aged 25 to 34 years are the age group with the highest number of deaths from firearms, followed by those aged 15 to 24. The states with the highest mortality rates from firearms are Mississippi, Louisiana, and Wyoming. Firearm suicides The use of firearms is one of the most common methods for suicide in the United States. Around 60 percent of male suicides and 35 percent of female suicides are conducted by firearms. In 2020, there were a total of 24,292 suicide deaths from firearms. Suicide is currently the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.

In 2022, there were 5.9 homicides by firearm per 100,000 residents in the United States. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, when the rate of firearm homicides stood at 6.3 per 100,000 of the population.

In 2015, the National Institute of Justice funded the Urban Institute's Evaluation of Gunshot Detection Technology to Aid in the Reduction of Firearms Violence. This project was designed to investigate the degree to which gunshot detection technology (GDT) aids in the response, investigation, and prevention of firearms violence and related crimes. The goal of this study was to conduct a rigorous process and impact evaluation of GDT to inform policing researchers and practitioners about the impact GDT may have. To achieve this goal, the research team implemented a mixed-methods research design with police departments in Denver, Colorado; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Richmond, California. Quantitative data collection included administrative data on calls for service (CFS), crime, and GDT alerts, as well as comprehensive case file reviews of 174 crimes involving a firearm. Quantitative analyses examined the impact of GDT by (1) comparing counts of gunshot notifications for GDT alerts to shooting-related CFS, (2) comparing response times of GDT alerts to shooting-related CFS, (3) examining the impact GDT has had on CFS and crimes, and (4) conducting a cost-benefit analysis of the GDT. Qualitative data collection included 46 interviews with criminal justice stakeholders to learn implementation processes and challenges associated with its GDT, and 6 focus groups with 49 community members to learn how residents feel about policing efforts to reduce firearm violence and its use of GDT. Three types of files were uploaded for each site. They include quantitative data on crimes and CFS (DS1-DS3), gunshot notifications (DS4-DS6), and response times (DS7-DS9). The qualitative data are not currently available as part of this collection.

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 gunshot detection technology market is experiencing robust growth, projected to reach a market size of $0.89 billion in 2025, expanding at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.91% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing urbanization and associated crime rates necessitate advanced crime prevention and response systems, making gunshot detection a vital tool for law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, advancements in sensor technology, including improvements in acoustic sensors' accuracy and range, coupled with the development of sophisticated analytics and AI-powered algorithms for real-time detection and location pinpointing, are significantly enhancing the effectiveness and reliability of these systems. The integration of gunshot detection systems with existing surveillance networks and emergency response platforms further amplifies their value, creating a more interconnected and efficient public safety infrastructure. The market is segmented by type (indoor, outdoor), application (aerospace & defense, law enforcement), and installation (fixed, vehicle). The robust growth in North America, particularly the United States, is fueled by high adoption rates by law enforcement agencies and continued investment in homeland security. The Asia-Pacific region is also poised for significant growth, driven by increasing urbanization and rising concerns about public safety in rapidly developing economies. However, factors such as the high initial investment costs associated with deploying these systems and potential privacy concerns related to data collection and surveillance represent restraints to market growth. Despite these challenges, the ongoing technological advancements and growing demand for enhanced public safety are expected to drive market expansion over the forecast period. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players and emerging technology companies. Key players such as ACOEM AB, SoundThinking Inc (ShotSpotter), RTX Corporation, Thales, and QinetiQ Limited are actively investing in research and development, product innovation, and strategic partnerships to maintain their market position. The market is witnessing an influx of new entrants, driven by the increasing demand for more accurate, cost-effective, and easily integrable gunshot detection solutions. These emerging companies are focusing on providing specialized solutions tailored to specific applications and geographical requirements, further driving competition and innovation within the industry. The continuous refinement of algorithms to improve accuracy, reduce false positives, and enhance integration capabilities will shape future market trends, while regulations concerning data privacy and surveillance are likely to influence market adoption rates in various regions. Recent developments include: March 2024: Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) is gearing up to unveil its state-of-the-art "Active Shooter Intelligence" at ISC West in Las Vegas. To promote safer environments and combat gun violence, SDS joined forces with Alarm.com. Their joint mission is to democratize advanced gunshot detection technology, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes. In a recent partnership milestone, SDS's Indoor Gunshot Detection sensors seamlessly integrated with Alarm.com's commercial platform. This integration enhanced the sensors' efficacy and introduced a holistic cloud-based solution. This solution encompasses gunshot detection, video surveillance, access control, real-time alerts, and remote monitoring., January 2023: Shooter Detection Systems, based in Massachusetts, collaborated with the Department of Homeland Security to introduce the SDS Outdoor, a portable gunshot detection system. According to the department, the system provides immediate critical data on outdoor shooting incidents, equipping first responders with timely and accurate information., March 2022: Syracuse University activated an advanced gunshot detection system on its north wall. This system identifies and locates gunfire and promptly alerts the Syracuse Police Department, enhancing response times. The system's USD 171,000 expansion was funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) pandemic relief funds.. Notable trends are: The Law Enforcement Segment Is Anticipated to Record the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period.

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.

Gun Detection System Market Outlook

As of 2023, the global gun detection system market size is valued at approximately USD 1.1 billion and is projected to reach USD 3.5 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 13.5%. The rapid growth of this market is primarily driven by increasing concerns regarding public safety and security, combined with advancements in technology that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of gun detection systems. One of the primary factors contributing to this growth is the escalating incidence of mass shootings and terrorist activities, which have necessitated the adoption of more sophisticated surveillance and detection mechanisms.

The surge in demand for advanced security solutions in public spaces such as schools, airports, and commercial buildings is a significant growth factor for the gun detection system market. Governments and private institutions are increasingly investing in state-of-the-art technologies to preemptively address potential threats. Furthermore, the advent of AI and machine learning has revolutionized gun detection systems, enabling more accurate and quicker threat assessments. These technological advancements have not only improved the functionality of these systems but also made them more accessible and cost-effective, thereby driving market growth.

Another critical driver for market expansion is the increasing legislative support for security enhancements across various sectors. Governments worldwide are implementing stringent regulations mandating the installation of gun detection systems in sensitive areas. For instance, several countries have introduced policies and grants to encourage educational institutions to adopt these technologies, thereby fueling market growth. In addition, the increasing collaboration between private companies and government bodies for the development and deployment of advanced gun detection solutions is further propelling the market.

The growing awareness and emphasis on homeland security also play a pivotal role in the expansion of the gun detection system market. With rising global geopolitical tensions and the constant threat of terrorist activities, there is an imperative need to strengthen security measures. Advanced gun detection systems are increasingly being integrated into national defense mechanisms, border security, and critical infrastructure protection. This heightened focus on homeland security is expected to significantly boost the market in the coming years.

Gunshot Detection technology has emerged as a pivotal component in enhancing public safety and security. This technology utilizes a network of acoustic sensors to detect and locate gunfire incidents in real-time. By analyzing the unique sound signatures of gunshots, these systems can provide immediate alerts to law enforcement agencies, enabling rapid response to potential threats. The integration of Gunshot Detection technology into urban security frameworks is becoming increasingly common, as cities worldwide seek to address the growing concerns of gun-related violence. This proactive approach not only aids in the swift apprehension of offenders but also acts as a deterrent to criminal activities, thereby contributing to safer communities.

Regionally, North America dominates the gun detection system market due to the high incidence of gun-related violence and robust government initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety. The presence of major technology providers and increased spending on security infrastructure further bolster this region's market share. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness substantial growth, driven by rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and heightened security concerns in countries such as India and China. Europe and Latin America are also expected to show steady growth owing to enhanced security measures and technological advancements.

Component Analysis

The gun detection system market can be segmented by component into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment includes sensors, cameras, and other physical devices essential for detecting firearms. This segment is crucial as it forms the backbone of any detection system, ensuring the effective identification of threats. Continuous advancements in sensor technology, such as the development of high-resolution cameras and sophisticated acoustic sensors, have significantly enhanced the efficacy of gun detection hardware. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on integrating AI capabilities

In 2023, the District of Columbia had the highest reported violent crime rate in the United States, with 1,150.9 violent crimes per 100,000 of the population. Maine had the lowest reported violent crime rate, with 102.5 offenses per 100,000 of the population. Life in the District The District of Columbia has seen a fluctuating population over the past few decades. Its population decreased throughout the 1990s, when its crime rate was at its peak, but has been steadily recovering since then. While unemployment in the District has also been falling, it still has had a high poverty rate in recent years. The gentrification of certain areas within Washington, D.C. over the past few years has made the contrast between rich and poor even greater and is also pushing crime out into the Maryland and Virginia suburbs around the District. Law enforcement in the U.S. Crime in the U.S. is trending downwards compared to years past, despite Americans feeling that crime is a problem in their country. In addition, the number of full-time law enforcement officers in the U.S. has increased recently, who, in keeping with the lower rate of crime, have also made fewer arrests than in years past.

The statistic shows the rate of firearm homicide deaths per 100,000 of population in the United States from 1990 to 2020. In 2020, about 5.9 of every 100,000 people were killed by a firearm in the United States.

Firearm violence is a leading cause of injury and mortality in the United States. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) are a promising public health strategy designed to reduce recurrent violence by engaging patients during hospitalization and connecting them to support services after discharge. This protocol describes the design and implementation of the Houston Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (Houston-HVIP), which will be evaluated by a randomized controlled trial conducted at a Level 1 trauma center in Houston, Texas. The study plans to enroll individuals aged 16–35 who present with gunshot wounds (GSW) at the Level 1 trauma center. Participants are randomized to either a treatment group receiving six months of intensive case management with direct referrals to social services or a control group receiving usual care, which involves indirect referral and limited case management. The primary outcome is a composite measure of an individual’s exposure to firearm violence via (a) self-report, (b) hospital admission records, and (c) mortality records. Secondary outcomes measured at the individual level assess violent reinjury, attitudes toward violence, post-traumatic stress, aggression, and self-rated health. Outcomes are assessed at baseline and 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-enrollment. The study will enroll 274 participants and include both quantitative and qualitative assessments to evaluate program impact and participant experience. This protocol aims to contribute to the design and implementation of HVIPs in large Level 1 trauma centers.