RALEIGH, N.C. – The number of mass shootings in North Carolina has been steadily increasing, according to the Gun Violence Archive. In 2023, there were 33 recorded mass shootings across the state, marking a 57% increase from the previous year. The Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as a shooting in which at least four people are injured.
Ten of these mass shootings occurred in central North Carolina, with the most devastating incident being a shooting at a party in Goldsboro where a 15-year-old girl was killed and five others were injured. Community members are now calling for change and hoping to address the issue of gun violence in the area.
In response to the surge in mass shootings, local leaders like John Barnes, the CEO of Rebuilding Broken Places, are working to develop more programs for teens in the area. The goal is to create a positive and supportive environment to help prevent further violence.
Other mass shootings in the area include a New Year’s Day shooting at a Subway in Durham where five people were injured, a shooting at a birthday party at Wilson County Fairgrounds where four people were injured, and a shooting in a Sampson County home where five people were killed. The ongoing investigations into these incidents indicate the urgent need to address the root causes of gun violence in the state.
Amidst the rising concerns, gun violence activist Madhavi Krevat is advocating for stricter gun laws and background checks to prevent future shootings. According to the Gun Violence Archive, 33 people were killed and 118 people were injured in the state’s mass shootings in 2023, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year.
The concerning trend of escalating mass shootings in North Carolina underscores the urgent need for community leaders, activists, and lawmakers to come together and address the root causes of gun violence. As the state grapples with this issue, there is a growing call for comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.