RALEIGH, N.C. – The incidence of mass shootings is increasing in North Carolina, with 33 recorded last year, a 57% increase from the previous year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The organization defines mass shootings as incidents where at least four people are injured.
Central North Carolina alone saw ten of these mass shootings, including a tragic incident at a party in Goldsboro where a 15-year-old girl was killed and five others were injured.
After the shooting, community leaders have noted a change in attitude. Young people are taking the lead and demanding honest conversations about gun violence and solutions to address the issue.
However, John Barnes, CEO of Rebuilding Broken Places, expressed concern that the initial reaction towards change has waned. This sentiment was echoed by others who are working to create more programs for teenagers in the area.
The incidents last year included a New Year’s Day shooting at a Subway in Durham, a shooting at a Wilson County Fairgrounds birthday party, and a shooting in a Sampson County home. The authorities continue to investigate these cases, with no announcements of any arrests.
In response to the escalating gun violence, activist Madhavi Krevat is pushing for stricter gun laws and background checks, as well as enacting laws to hold people responsible if a child gains access to a gun.
In 2023, North Carolina saw 33 people killed and 118 injured in mass shootings, compared to 17 killed and 86 injured in 2022. The rising numbers are a cause for concern and an impetus for taking necessary action to address gun violence in the state.