Louisville, Kentucky – The United States has recorded its highest number of mass killings involving guns in 2023, data from The AP, USA Today, and Northeastern University revealed. The annual statistics show that a total of 40 mass killings took place across the country, from Texas to Maine, making it the deadliest year on record.
Tragedies at a Louisville bank and a Nashville elementary school contributed to the unprecedented number of mass killings, marking the highest count since data collection began in 2006. The figures revealed a troubling trend, with 2023 surpassing the previous year by four incidents. Notably, incidents at a school in Uvalde and a Buffalo supermarket also led to a record in the year before.
The database’s criteria for mass killings included incidents where at least four people died, not including the shooter. This distinction is important to note, as it differs from the definition of mass shootings, where victims do not necessarily need to die to be included in the casualty count. The figures also exclude serial strikes, requiring both versions of the attacks to have occurred within a 24-hour period to be included.
In addition to highlighting the alarming number of mass killings in 2023, the data also revealed concerning dynamics surrounding murder-suicides and the number of teens affected by gun violence. The statistics paint a grim picture of the impact of gun violence in the US, with a significant rise in casualties and injuries, particularly among young people.
Overall, the data from The AP, USA Today, and Northeastern University underscores the urgent need for measures to address and prevent gun-related violence in the country. As the debate on gun control continues, these statistics serve as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of mass killings and gun violence in communities across the United States.