2024 Gun Violence Statistics
This year’s statistics had mixed results. On a positive note, there was a decline in overall gun violence incidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, there was a tragic increase in the number killed and wounded in schools.
The Good News for This Year
- Deaths from gun violence decreased 5% from 2023.
- Number of mass shootings decreased 24% from 2023.
- Number of school shootings decreased 5% from 2023.
But 2024 Gun Violence Statistics are Still Alarming
Select or Click Your State to Learn More
2024 Nationwide Gun Violence Statistics
42,886
31,652
5,211
112
503 Mass Shootings
Gun-Related Tragedies in 2024 Highlight What a Growing Problem Gun Violence Has Become to
All of America
Abundant Life Christian School
Madison, Wisconsin
3 killed & 6 injured
Lafayette
Laundry
Lafayette, Indiana
2 killed & 2 injured
Westside Village Shopping Center
Redding, California
2 killed & 3 injured
Apalachee
High School
Winder, Georgia
4 killed & 7 injured
Mad Butcher
Supermarket
Fordyce, Arkansas
4 killed & 10 injured
Perry
High School
Perry, Iowa
3 killed & 6 injured
The Ugly Truth
Gun Violence in Schools Remains at All-Time Highs
2024 saw the 2nd highest number of K-12 school shooting incidents since 1966.
Number of school shootings in each of the last 4 years is still more than 107% higher than any year before that for the last 25 years.
Since 2020 Guns Have Been the #1 Cause of Death for U.S. Children and Teens
Over the last six decades, two-thirds of all school shootings happened outdoors – emphasizing the need to protect students both inside and outside school premises.
Where are school shootings happening:
751 Parking Lot
330 Front of School
254 Beside Building
81 Playground
142 School Property
254 Field / Track
In 2024, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a landmark Advisory declaring firearm violence in America a public health crisis. More than half of U.S. adults or their family members have experienced a firearm-related incident in their lives.
The Economic Burden of Gun Violence in the U.S. is Staggering
While protecting people is the top priority, the financial impact these tragedies have on the victims, their families and the overall economy can’t be ignored.
Annually, gun violence costs the economy an estimated $557B
That’s roughly $1,700 for every American citizen that could be used elsewhere for individuals for their communites.
Swatting Incidents in Schools
Can Be Costly Disruptions.
One swatting incident costs at least $100k for each emergency response.
In 2023, false threats cost more than $82.3m to K-12 schools, not including costs such as missed class time, missed work for parents, and physical damages which could bring this number to hundreds of millions.
Gun Violence Costs Employers Millions
American businesses bear the financial brunt of gun violence long after an event takes place.
One non-fatal firearm Injury leads to roughly $30k in direct healthcare spending per survivor in the first year alone.
Losses in productivity due to firearm injuries are estimated to cost employers $535m per year nationwide.
Lawsuits often occur following a gun violence incendent:
$43m Vertdict against CVS following a parking lot shooting $800m Settlement awarded to victims of mass shooting in Las Vegas
Read more about the cost of gun violence.
Never Again What Can Be Done to Help Prevent Gun Violence?
No SINGLE technology or strategy will be effective – we need a layered approach to gun prevention that includes:
Security Personnel
Security personnel and school resource officers
Safety Training
Training on procedures, processes, and important warning signs to notice
Array of Strategies
Strategies that encompass inside and outside building perimeters
AI Gun Detection
Gun detection technologies, such as AI visual, audio, and metal detection
Safety Perimeters
Perimeter fences
Access Control
Access controls such as automatic door locks
Bulletproofing
Bulletproof doors and windows
How Does AI-Powered Visual Gun Detection Help Save Lives?
There are several ways to protect an organization from these dangerous events. Developing a safety plan that’s thorough and easily remembered for emergency situations is a start, but it only works if it is effective.
A.I. Powered Visual Gun Detection
A.I. powered visual gun detection software was created to identify active shooters in seconds and then instantly kick off a series of pre-planned responses such as notify police, lock doors, and send out alerts. It can also actively monitor the shooter and communicate with victims and response teams for the duration of the event.
Use Your Cameras
Works with existing cameras and easily integrates into security systems
Automated Response
Activates automatic response plans, allowing for near-instantaneous alerts and response times
Coverage at All Times
Provides 24/7 automated coverage
The Power of A.I. Before, During, and After
Not every AI gun detection solution available today is the same. For the best protection, choose one that has a unique combination of gun detection, human verification, mass communication, and an automated response.
Before An Event
- Accurately identifies the presence of a gun prior to it being fired.
- Proactively takes steps to mitigate an escalated event.
During An Event
- Actively monitors the shooter and communicates with victims and response teams during the duration of the event.
After An Event
- Enables comprehensive incident evaluation.
- Alerts key personnel through video management solutions integrations but also flags the incident for easy retrieval.
See For Yourself
See the power of AI visual gun detection by watching a quick demo.
Sources (as of January 13, 2025)
https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024/12/12/2024-mass-shootings-lowest-in-20-years/
https://k12ssdb.org/all-shootings
https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/past-tolls
https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mass_shootings_in_the_United_States_in_2024
https://k12ssdb.org/all-shootings
https://k12ssdb.org/swatting
https://www.campussafetymagazine.com/news/school-swatting-threats-how-common-what-do-they-cost/
https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/firearm-violence/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/07/health/guns-death-us-children-teens-dg/index.html
https://www.newsweek.com/make-america-safe-again-case-gun-violence-prevention-now-future-opinion-1999990
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/columbus-gun-violence-costs-taxpayers-500-million-annually-study-finds
https://hms.harvard.edu/news/business-case-reducing-gun-violence
https://www.law.com/dailyreportonline/2021/11/02/georgia-appeals-court-arms-42-7m-verdict-in-cvs-parking-lot-shooting/?slreturn=20250110134811
https://apnews.com/general-news-domestic-news-domestic-news-cd07b4640a5a8e6d32ccbccd1aae2e65
