Gainesville, Florida – The United States experienced its second-highest number of mass shootings in 2023, with a total of 656 incidents, according to the Gun Violence Archive (GVA). This surpasses the 647 reported in 2022 but falls short of the record-breaking 690 reported in 2021.
Florida saw 30 mass shootings in 2023, a slight decrease from the 31 incidents reported in both 2021 and 2022. However, despite this reduction, the state still recorded 134 injuries and 38 fatalities as a result of these mass shooting incidents.
The GVA noted that overall, there was an 8-10% decrease in deaths and injuries from gun violence in 2023, with some cities experiencing even greater reductions of 20% or more.
The surge in mass shootings was not isolated to Florida, as other states, particularly Texas, experienced a significant increase in these violent incidents. Texas, which also has more lenient gun laws, saw the highest number of reported mass shootings in 2023 with a total of 65 incidents.
The impact of these mass shootings extends beyond the immediate victims, with a total of 42,926 people dying from gun violence in the United States in 2023. Of this number, 18,836 were classified as homicide, murder, or cases of defensive gun use, while the remaining 24,090 were ruled as suicides.
It’s important to note that the definition of a mass shooting varies depending on the source. The GVA defines a mass shooting as an incident in which four or more people are shot, while the FBI defines a mass killing or mass murder as an incident in which four or more victims are killed by any intentional means, including gun violence.
In comparison to other states, Florida ranked in the top 10 for reported mass shootings in 2023, trailing behind states such as Texas, Illinois, and California. Despite ranking lower than some other states, the impact of these shootings on the community and the individuals affected remains significant.
Ultimately, the data from 2023 illustrates the ongoing and pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address and prevent these tragic incidents.