From 1999 to January 2025, *** school shootings were recorded in the United States, *** of which occurred in public schools. Within the provided time period, only ** shootings were recorded in private schools.

As of March 19, ***** school shootings were recorded in the United States in 2025, impacting K-12 school grounds and college campuses nationwide. In comparison, there were ** school shooting incidents recorded in 2024. In addition to schools, gun-related violence occurs in many public places within the United States, including workplaces, churches, restaurants, and nightclubs. The source defines school shootings as incidents of gun violence which occurred on school property and at least one person was shot, not including the shooter. School property includes, but is not limited to, buildings, fields, parking lots, stadiums and buses. Accidental discharges of firearms are included, as long as at least one person is shot, but not if the sole shooter is law enforcement or school security.

As of July 22, 2024, there have been a total of 270 school shootings in California since 1966, the most out of any state. Texas had the second highest number of school shootings within this time period, with 225 shootings. The source defines a school shooting as every time a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims (including zero), time, day or the week, or reason, including gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after hours school events, suicides, fights that escalate into shootings, and accidents.

As of June 2022, there were 153 school shootings in total in the United States in that year. Of these incidents, only two were active shooter incidents. The largest number of active shooter incidents in schools was in 2018, with 11 active shooters.

The source defines a shooting as any time a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason.

THIS DATASET WAS LAST UPDATED AT 8:11 PM EASTERN ON JULY 16

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.

As of June 19, 116 school shooting incidents were recorded in K-12 schools in the United States in 2025. Within the provided time period, the greatest number of K-12 school shootings was recorded in 2023, at 350. The source defines a school shooting as every time a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims (including zero), time, day or the week, or reason, including gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after hours school events, suicides, fights that escalate into shootings, and accidents.

BackgroundGun violence has shortened the average life expectancy of Americans, and better knowledge about the root causes of gun violence is crucial to its prevention. While some empirical evidence exists regarding the impacts of social and economic factors on violence and firearm homicide rates, to the author’s knowledge, there has yet to be a comprehensive and comparative lagged, multilevel investigation of major social determinants of health in relation to firearm homicides and mass shootings.Methods and findingsThis study used negative binomial regression models and geolocated gun homicide incident data from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, to explore and compare the independent associations of key state-, county-, and neighborhood-level social determinants of health—social mobility, social capital, income inequality, racial and economic segregation, and social spending—with neighborhood firearm-related homicides and mass shootings in the United States, accounting for relevant state firearm laws and a variety of state, county, and neighborhood (census tract [CT]) characteristics. Latitude and longitude coordinates on firearm-related deaths were previously collected by the Gun Violence Archive, and then linked by the British newspaper The Guardian to CTs according to 2010 Census geographies. The study population consisted of all 74,134 CTs as defined for the 2010 Census in the 48 states of the contiguous US. The final sample spanned 70,579 CTs, containing an estimated 314,247,908 individuals, or 98% of the total US population in 2015. The analyses were based on 13,060 firearm-related deaths in 2015, with 11,244 non-mass shootings taking place in 8,673 CTs and 141 mass shootings occurring in 138 CTs. For area-level social determinants, lag periods of 3 to 17 years were examined based on existing theory, empirical evidence, and data availability. County-level institutional social capital (levels of trust in institutions), social mobility, income inequality, and public welfare spending exhibited robust relationships with CT-level gun homicide rates and the total numbers of combined non-mass and mass shooting homicide incidents and non-mass shooting homicide incidents alone. A 1–standard deviation (SD) increase in institutional social capital was linked to a 19% reduction in the homicide rate (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.81, 95% CI 0.73–0.91, p

100 of the mass shootings in the United States between 1982 and September 2024 involved weapons which were obtained legally; a clear majority. Only 16 incidents involved guns that were obtained illegally. Legally owned firearms in the U.S. Within the United States, one must be at least 18 years old in order to purchase shotguns, rifles, and ammunition, and at least 21 years old to purchase all other firearms. Some people may be restricted from owning firearms, such as individuals who have been dishonorably discharged from the military or tourists. Guns must be sold through licensed dealers, and purchasers must undergo a background check. However, the much-discussed “gun show loophole” allows people to purchase firearms from a flea market, gun show, online, or from a personal collector without a background check. The national firearm conversation The right to own a gun in the United States is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. While changing a part of the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments to the Constitution) would be extremely difficult, the issue of gun rights has become a highly controversial, and highly partisan, topic in the national conversation. For example, a majority of Republicans believe that if legal gun ownership is controlled, that there will not be a difference in the number of mass shootings. In contrast, most Democrats believe the number will decrease.

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.

Private Security Services Market Size And Forecast

Private Security Services Market size was valued at USD 9.8 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 18 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 9% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Global Private Security Services Market Drivers

The market drivers for the Private Security Services Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

Increasing Crime Rates: The rise in crime rates globally significantly fuels demand for private security services. As urban areas become more populated, the likelihood of crimes like theft, vandalism, and violence increases, prompting individuals and businesses to seek enhanced protection. Private security services provide tailored solutions that effectively address these security concerns. Moreover, high-profile incidents of crime, including terrorism and organized crime, have heightened public awareness and fear, resulting in a greater willingness to invest in personal and property security. Organizations, particularly those in high-risk industries, are prioritizing security measures to ensure safety and mitigate potential losses, thus driving market growth. Rising Concerns Over Public Safety: Public safety concerns are increasingly becoming a catalyst for the growth of the Private Security Services Market. Events like mass shootings, civil unrest, and natural disasters elevate anxiety among citizens, leading to a demand for supplementary security measures. Governments may struggle to provide adequate public safety, further incentivizing individuals and corporations to turn to private security firms. Consequently, the demand for security personnel, surveillance systems, and emergency response solutions is on the rise. The desire for safer environments, especially in public spaces such as malls, schools, and events, is pushing organizations to invest heavily in private security infrastructure. Growth Of The Corporate Sector: The expansion of the corporate sector plays a crucial role in driving the market for private security services. With more businesses setting up operations worldwide, there is a growing necessity to protect assets, intellectual property, and personnel. Corporate espionage, workplace violence, and theft are tangible threats that compel organizations to engage security services. The integration of advanced technologies, such as cyber-security and surveillance systems, further enhances the need for specialized security solutions tailored to corporate environments. As businesses seek to maintain a secure operational framework, private security providers are increasingly seen as vital partners in mitigating risks and ensuring continuity. Technological Advancements: Technological advancements are revolutionizing the Private Security Services Market, enhancing the attractiveness and effectiveness of these solutions. Innovations such as AI-driven surveillance systems, drones, biometric identification, and smart home security features have transformed traditional security measures. As technology becomes more sophisticated, customers are drawn to solutions that provide real-time monitoring, quick response capabilities, and detailed reporting. Moreover, the integration of cybersecurity services has become vital, given the rise in cyber threats. Companies offering modern, tech-integrated security solutions are better positioned to meet client needs, driving growth in the private security industry as businesses seek reliable and efficient security options.

The Gun Violence Archive (GVA) is an online archive of gun violence incidents collected from over 7,500 law enforcement, media, government and commercial sources daily in an effort to provide near-real time data about the results of gun violence. GVA was established in 2013 an independent data collection and research group to provide comprehensive data for the national conversation regarding gun violence.

GVA catalogs both incidents of gun-related deaths and incidents where a victim was injured by shooting or by a victim who was the subject of an armed robber or home invader. Incidents of defensive gun use, homeowners who stop a home invasion, store clerks who stop a robbery, individuals who stop an assault or rape with a gun are also collected. The two exceptions to the near real-time collection are suicides by gun, which are collected quarterly and annually due to differing distribution methods by government agencies, and for armed robberies with no injuries or DGU characteristics, which are collected in aggregate with law enforcement quarterly and annual reports. GVA also records incidents of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and local law enforcement involvement in recovering illegal or stolen weapons; incidents where guns were reported stolen from homes, vehicles, and businesses; incidents where Airsoft or BB guns are used as weapons (but not where they are used in general vandalism or delinquency); and TSA data of guns illegally taken through airport security points. Incident data are categorized by number of deaths, number of injuries, number of children, number of teens, mass shootings, officers shot, suspect shot by officer, home invasion, defensive use, and unintentional shooting.

Gunshot Detection Systems Market Outlook

The global gunshot detection systems market size was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% during the forecast period. The increasing need for enhanced security and public safety, especially in urban areas, has been a significant factor driving the growth of this market. With the rise in gun-related incidents and the subsequent pressure on law enforcement agencies to improve response times and accuracy, the demand for sophisticated gunshot detection technologies is on the rise. Moreover, technological advancements and the integration of artificial intelligence in surveillance systems further propel the market forward.

One of the key growth factors for the gunshot detection systems market is the increasing emphasis on public safety and security. Governments and organizations worldwide are investing significantly in technologies that can predict, prevent, or respond quickly to security threats. Gunshot detection systems provide a rapid alert mechanism that helps law enforcement agencies react promptly to shooting incidents, thus minimizing casualties and property damage. Moreover, the rising incidence of mass shootings in public places like schools, malls, and workplaces has heightened the demand for these systems. As awareness about these incidents grows, there is an increasing push from public and private entities to deploy gunshot detection systems as a preventive measure.

Technological advancements also play a crucial role in the market's expansion. Modern gunshot detection systems are equipped with advanced features such as real-time data analysis, integration with surveillance cameras, and compatibility with various communication protocols that enhance their efficacy. The incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into these systems has significantly improved their accuracy and reliability. AI-enabled systems can distinguish between gunshot sounds and other similar noises, reducing false alarms and enhancing trust in these systems. Furthermore, the advent of IoT and smart city initiatives has encouraged the deployment of gunshot detection systems as part of comprehensive urban security solutions.

Another significant growth driver is the increasing funding and support from governmental bodies. Many governments are actively promoting the deployment of gunshot detection systems in public areas through grants and financial incentives. Law enforcement agencies are receiving substantial support to adopt advanced security technologies to combat the increasing threat of gun-related crimes effectively. Additionally, international cooperation and knowledge sharing among countries regarding best practices for public safety are fueling the adoption of gunshot detection systems. This international collaboration is expected to create more opportunities for market players to expand their reach and enhance their offerings.

Regional analysis reveals that North America currently holds the largest share of the gunshot detection systems market, propelled by high investment in security technologies and a well-established infrastructure. The United States, in particular, is a significant contributor to this market, driven by the increasing number of mass shooting incidents and the proactive approach of law enforcement agencies. However, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience the fastest growth, with countries like China and India investing heavily in smart city projects and public safety measures. The favorable government initiatives and growing infrastructure development in these regions provide a fertile ground for the expansion of gunshot detection systems.

Product Type Analysis

The product type segment of the gunshot detection systems market is categorized primarily into indoor and outdoor systems, each serving distinct applications and environments. Indoor systems are designed to enhance security within enclosed spaces such as schools, corporate offices, shopping malls, and government buildings. These systems are meticulously engineered to accurately detect gunshots within confined environments, providing vital information to security personnel and law enforcement agencies. The growing concerns over active shooter incidents in indoor settings have propelled the demand for indoor gunshot detection systems. These systems are becoming an integral part of comprehensive security solutions, with features such as easy integration with existing building management systems, which further enhance their appeal.</p&g

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

The Gun and Ammunition Stores industry has recently benefited from social, political and economic unrest, which has sparked an increase in purchases of firearms and complimentary goods. Revenue has also surged on the expectation of stricter firearm regulations under the Biden administration, which has vowed to help end gun violence and mass shootings through multiple avenues. Consumers have sought to purchase firearms and ammunition before the more stringent regulatory environment. Industry revenue is estimated to increase an annualized 8.1% to $21.9 billion over the five years to 2024, including an increase of 4.1% in 2024 alone. Consumer expectations of forthcoming gun regulations have been a major driver of industry sales during the current period. Accordingly, revenue grew moderately during the Trump administration since his presidency did not seek to impose new regulations on the manufacture, sale and possession of firearms. However, as the 2020 election approached and many candidates, including Joe Biden, often asserted gun reform, industry-relevant purchases grew profoundly. According to a 2021 report published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Instant Check System (NICS) firearm background checks completed increased 39.9% to 39.7 million in 2020, the most ever on record. Surging demand and supply shortfalls have enabled retailers to tack on premiums, contributing to widening profit despite extensive business disruptions caused by COVID-19. Industry revenue is projected to climb an annualized 0.5% to $22.5 billion over the five years to 2029. Demand will be bolstered by a robust economic recovery, enabling consumers to spend more on industry goods, positively impacting profit. Also, rising consumer fears surrounding gun regulations will continue boosting sales, particularly at the outset of the period. Gun and ammunition stores will continue to endure intense competition from large department and sporting goods stores, private sales and individual dealers. In particular, large department and sporting goods stores have been able to use their scale and more diverse product offering to make them a more attractive place to shop for guns and ammunition. Consequently, these establishments will continue siphoning demand from the market pool.

Fixed Gunshot Detection System Market Outlook

The global fixed gunshot detection system market size was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach approximately USD 3.8 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is primarily driven by increasing concerns about public safety and the rising number of mass shooting incidents worldwide.

One of the most significant growth factors for the fixed gunshot detection system market is the increasing demand for public safety and security. With the rise in gun-related violence and mass shooting incidents, there is a pressing need for advanced surveillance systems that can promptly detect and respond to gunfire. These systems provide real-time data to law enforcement agencies, enabling quicker response times and potentially saving lives. Additionally, the integration of advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning in these systems is enhancing their accuracy and reliability, further boosting their adoption.

Another factor driving the market is the substantial investments made by governments and private sectors in security infrastructure. Many governments around the world are allocating significant portions of their budgets to improve public safety measures, which includes the deployment of fixed gunshot detection systems in various public places such as schools, government buildings, and transportation hubs. Similarly, private sector entities, especially those in the commercial building sector, are increasingly adopting these systems to ensure the safety of their occupants and assets. The growing awareness about the benefits of such systems is also contributing to market growth.

The technological advancements in sensor technologies and the integration of these systems with smart city projects are also contributing significantly to market growth. Modern fixed gunshot detection systems are equipped with sophisticated sensors that can accurately detect the sound of gunfire and differentiate it from other noises. Moreover, the integration of these systems with existing public surveillance and communication networks in smart cities enhances their functionality and effectiveness. This trend is particularly prominent in developed regions, but developing regions are also catching up, driven by urbanization and modernization efforts.

In the realm of defense, the Acoustic Gunfire Locator for Defense is emerging as a pivotal technology. This system is designed to enhance the situational awareness of military personnel by providing real-time data on gunfire incidents. By accurately pinpointing the location of gunfire, these systems enable quicker and more strategic responses, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of military operations. The integration of acoustic gunfire locators with existing defense infrastructure is proving to be a game-changer, offering a significant tactical advantage in combat scenarios. As defense budgets continue to rise, particularly in regions like North America and Asia Pacific, the adoption of such advanced technologies is expected to accelerate, driving further growth in the fixed gunshot detection system market.

Regionally, North America holds the largest market share due to the high prevalence of gun violence and advanced security infrastructure in the region. The US, in particular, has been a significant contributor to the market's growth, thanks to its high defense spending and the presence of major market players. Europe follows closely, driven by increasing terrorist activities and stringent regulations on public safety. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing government initiatives for public safety, and rising defense budgets.

Component Analysis

The fixed gunshot detection system market is segmented into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment currently holds the largest market share and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This segment includes various sensors, cameras, and communication devices that are integral to the functioning of gunshot detection systems. The increasing demand for advanced and reliable hardware components that can accurately detect and report gunfire incidents is a major driver for this segment. Additionally, continuous innovations and improvements in sensor technologie

The Concealed Weapons Detection (CWD) market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing security concerns across various sectors, including transportation, education, and entertainment. The market, valued at approximately $2 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This significant expansion is fueled by several key factors. Technological advancements, such as the development of more accurate and efficient detection systems using AI and millimeter-wave technology, are playing a crucial role. Furthermore, rising public awareness of mass shootings and terrorist attacks has heightened the demand for advanced security solutions, driving investment in CWD technologies. Government regulations and initiatives mandating enhanced security measures in public spaces further contribute to market growth. The market is segmented based on technology type (e.g., millimeter-wave, metal detectors, X-ray), application (e.g., airports, schools, stadiums), and end-user (e.g., government agencies, private organizations). Competitive landscape analysis reveals key players such as Athena Security, STANLEY Security, Evolv Technology, Avigilon, Motorola Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Liberty Defense, Tutelare Corp, and Patriot One, each vying for market share through innovation and strategic partnerships. Despite the promising outlook, the CWD market faces some challenges. High initial investment costs associated with deploying advanced detection systems can be a barrier for smaller organizations. Furthermore, concerns about privacy and potential false positives can hinder the widespread adoption of certain technologies. However, ongoing technological advancements addressing these concerns, coupled with increasing government funding and private investments, are expected to mitigate these restraints. The market's sustained growth trajectory is largely dependent on continued technological innovation, a favorable regulatory environment, and the persistent need for enhanced security across diverse sectors. The increasing integration of CWD systems with other security technologies like video analytics and access control systems is poised to further accelerate market expansion.

BackgroundIn nature, shooting mechanisms are used for a variety of purposes, including prey capture, defense, and reproduction. This review offers insight into the working principles of shooting mechanisms in fungi, plants, and animals in the light of the specific functional demands that these mechanisms fulfill.MethodsWe systematically searched the literature using Scopus and Web of Knowledge to retrieve articles about solid projectiles that either are produced in the body of the organism or belong to the body and undergo a ballistic phase. The shooting mechanisms were categorized based on the energy management prior to and during shooting.ResultsShooting mechanisms were identified with projectile masses ranging from 1·10−9 mg in spores of the fungal phyla Ascomycota and Zygomycota to approximately 10,300 mg for the ballistic tongue of the toad Bufo alvarius. The energy for shooting is generated through osmosis in fungi, plants, and animals or muscle contraction in animals. Osmosis can be induced by water condensation on the system (in fungi), or water absorption in the system (reaching critical pressures up to 15.4 atmospheres; observed in fungi, plants, and animals), or water evaporation from the system (reaching up to −197 atmospheres; observed in plants and fungi). The generated energy is stored as elastic (potential) energy in cell walls in fungi and plants and in elastic structures in animals, with two exceptions: (1) in the momentum catapult of Basidiomycota the energy is stored in a stalk (hilum) by compression of the spore and droplets and (2) in Sphagnum energy is mainly stored in compressed air. Finally, the stored energy is transformed into kinetic energy of the projectile using a catapult mechanism delivering up to 4,137 J/kg in the osmotic shooting mechanism in cnidarians and 1,269 J/kg in the muscle-powered appendage strike of the mantis shrimp Odontodactylus scyllarus. The launch accelerations range from 6.6g in the frog Rana pipiens to 5,413,000g in cnidarians, the launch velocities from 0.1 m/s in the fungal phylum Basidiomycota to 237 m/s in the mulberry Morus alba, and the launch distances from a few thousands of a millimeter in Basidiomycota to 60 m in the rainforest tree Tetraberlinia moreliana. The mass-specific power outputs range from 0.28 W/kg in the water evaporation mechanism in Basidiomycota to 1.97·109 W/kg in cnidarians using water absorption as energy source.Discussion and conclusionsThe magnitude of accelerations involved in shooting is generally scale-dependent with the smaller the systems, discharging the microscale projectiles, generating the highest accelerations. The mass-specific power output is also scale dependent, with smaller mechanisms being able to release the energy for shooting faster than larger mechanisms, whereas the mass-specific work delivered by the shooting mechanism is mostly independent of the scale of the shooting mechanism. Higher mass-specific work-values are observed in osmosis-powered shooting mechanisms (≤ 4,137 J/kg) when compared to muscle-powered mechanisms (≤ 1,269 J/kg). The achieved launch parameters acceleration, velocity, and distance, as well as the associated delivered power output and work, thus depend on the working principle and scale of the shooting mechanism.

In just three decades, the share of AR-15 style assault weapons in the total firearm production of the United States rose from around one percent of all firearms produced in the early 1990s to almost a quarter in 2020. Originally designed for the military in the 1950s, AR-15s were initially overlooked by domestic consumers, as they were deemed too powerful, cumbersome, and not traditional enough for the mass market. Today AR-15s are the most popular type of rifle produced in the United States. AR-15 explosion The rise in AR-15 manufacturing came with the expiration of the 10 year Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994-2004). The firearms industry, especially Smith & Wesson, began investing heavily into this model, capitalizing on the pro-military sentiment that grew in the post-9/11 years. The semi-automatic AR-15 was the most powerful weapon that resembled those used in conflict areas and could be made for the mass market. Handgun and rifle sales had been relatively low in the years before, but the growing popularity of the AR-15 helped reinvigorate the firearms industry in the early 2000s. Today, it is estimated that there are over 20 million AR-15 rifles in the U.S., most of which have been made domestically in the past two decades. Role in mass shootings The rise in AR-15 ownership coincided with a rising number of mass shootings in the U.S., and AR-15s were used in many of the deadliest incidents. Although handguns and traditional rifles are responsible for the majority of mass shootings in the U.S., the lethality of those involving AR-15s, especially school shootings, has made it a contentious topic. Those who wish to restrict access or remove it from the market argue that AR-15s are unnecessarily powerful for both hunting and protection, and its primary purpose is to kill large numbers of people. However, advocates see it as a symbol of freedom and their Second Amendment rights, arguing that restrictions placed on AR-15s will be followed by further erosion of their right to bear arms. The latter point was illustrated in 2008, when the election of Barack Obama was followed by the largest rise in AR-15 sales, as opponents portrayed him as an "anti-gun radical". As calls to ban the AR-15 have grown louder in recent years, it is often met with a even stronger response among pro-gun advocates, although the majority of voters now support an assault-weapons ban.

In the United States in 2022, 48 percent of Republicans reported that they owned at least one gun, and 66 percent said that they lived in a household with a gun. In comparison, only 20 percent of Democrats owned at least one gun, and 31 percent lived in a gun household. Who are gun owners? In 2022, significantly more Democrats were in favor of limiting gun ownership in comparison to Republicans. On the other hand, more Republicans were in favor of protecting the right to own guns in comparison to Democrats. When examined by education level, respondents who said they only had some college, but no degree, were the most likely to have said that there is at least one gun in their household. However, nearly a quarter of Americans over 18 years old said that they rarely carry a gun on their person. Republicans vs Democrats Debate The gun control debate in the United States has been a highly contested one. In light of frequent mass shootings, gun control laws have become the center of policy discussions. Democratic politicians tend to put significant emphasis on their gun control policies, and are overall more in favor of stricter gun control laws and want more background checks for those who want to purchase a gun. However, Republicans tend to work in favor of gun rights.

The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between 37 percent and 47 percent. In 2023, about 42 percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession. Additional information on firearms in the United States Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons. Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison to other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades, most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change regarding the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobbies for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States, which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.