School Shootings in the US: Fast Facts

Recent Incidents

Apalachee High School Shooting (Georgia): On September 4, 2024, a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, resulted in four deaths and nine injuries. The suspect, identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, is currently under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

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Statistics and Trends

Overall Incidents: As of July 11, 2024, there have been 35 school shooting incidents in the United States, affecting K-12 school grounds and college campuses nationwide. This is a decrease from the 82 incidents recorded in 2023.

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Historical Data: From the 2000–01 to 2021–22 school years, there were 1,375 school shootings at public and private elementary and secondary schools, resulting in 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries. The highest number of incidents and casualties occurred during the 2021–22 school year, with 327 incidents, 81 deaths, and 269 injuries.
State-Specific Data: California has the highest number of school shootings since 1966, with 270 incidents, followed by Texas with 225 incidents.

Impact and Consequences

Mental Health and Education: School shootings have significant impacts on the mental health and educational outcomes of surviving youth. Studies have shown increased antidepressant use, higher rates of absenteeism, and lower academic performance among students exposed to gun violence at school.
Long-term Effects: Exposure to school shootings can lead to long-term consequences such as lower graduation rates, reduced college attendance, and lower earnings in adulthood.

Notable Events

Columbine High School (1999): The Columbine High School massacre was a significant event that marked the beginning of a series of high-profile school shootings in the United States. It resulted in the deaths of 12 students and one teacher.
Uvalde, Texas (2022): The shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, was one of the deadliest school shootings in recent history, with 19 students and two teachers killed.

Prevention and Awareness

Warning Signs: Research indicates that in 4 out of 5 school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker’s plan but failed to report it. Recognizing and reporting warning signs can be crucial in preventing such incidents.
Gun Safety: Organizations like Sandy Hook Promise advocate for gun safety laws and educate the public on the warning signs of potential violence to prevent school shootings.

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Public Perception

Concerns and Worries: A significant portion of the public, including teachers and parents, express concern about the possibility of a school shooting. Surveys indicate that a majority of teachers and parents are at least somewhat worried about the safety of their schools.

These facts highlight the ongoing issue of school shootings in the United States, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in prevention, education, and policy reform to address this critical problem.

School Shootings in the US: Fast Facts

Recent Incidents

Apalachee High School Shooting (Georgia): On September 4, 2024, a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, resulted in four deaths and nine injuries. The suspect, identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, is currently under investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Preview

Statistics and Trends

Overall Incidents: As of July 11, 2024, there have been 35 school shooting incidents in the United States, affecting K-12 school grounds and college campuses nationwide. This is a decrease from the 82 incidents recorded in 2023.

Preview
Preview
Preview
Historical Data: From the 2000–01 to 2021–22 school years, there were 1,375 school shootings at public and private elementary and secondary schools, resulting in 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries. The highest number of incidents and casualties occurred during the 2021–22 school year, with 327 incidents, 81 deaths, and 269 injuries.
State-Specific Data: California has the highest number of school shootings since 1966, with 270 incidents, followed by Texas with 225 incidents.

Impact and Consequences

Mental Health and Education: School shootings have significant impacts on the mental health and educational outcomes of surviving youth. Studies have shown increased antidepressant use, higher rates of absenteeism, and lower academic performance among students exposed to gun violence at school.
Long-term Effects: Exposure to school shootings can lead to long-term consequences such as lower graduation rates, reduced college attendance, and lower earnings in adulthood.

Notable Events

Columbine High School (1999): The Columbine High School massacre was a significant event that marked the beginning of a series of high-profile school shootings in the United States. It resulted in the deaths of 12 students and one teacher.
Uvalde, Texas (2022): The shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, was one of the deadliest school shootings in recent history, with 19 students and two teachers killed.

Prevention and Awareness

Warning Signs: Research indicates that in 4 out of 5 school shootings, at least one other person had knowledge of the attacker’s plan but failed to report it. Recognizing and reporting warning signs can be crucial in preventing such incidents.
Gun Safety: Organizations like Sandy Hook Promise advocate for gun safety laws and educate the public on the warning signs of potential violence to prevent school shootings.

Preview

Public Perception

Concerns and Worries: A significant portion of the public, including teachers and parents, express concern about the possibility of a school shooting. Surveys indicate that a majority of teachers and parents are at least somewhat worried about the safety of their schools.