As of July 14, 2023, the United States has witnessed a troubling total of 32 school shootings this year. These incidents have resulted in 14 fatalities and left at least 40 individuals injured. The data, compiled through an analysis by CNN, draws on reports from the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week, and Everytown for Gun Safety.
Understanding the Scope of the Violence
The distribution of these shootings shows a significant divide between college campuses and K-12 institutions. Of the 32 incidents, 18 occurred on college campuses, while 14 took place on K-12 grounds. CNN’s methodology includes all instances of gun violence occurring on school property, which encompasses various locations such as buildings, fields, parking lots, stadiums, and school buses. Notably, incidents are counted if at least one person is shot, excluding instances where the only person injured is a law enforcement officer or school security personnel.
Accidental discharges of firearms are also included in the count, provided that at least one individual other than the shooter was harmed. This comprehensive approach aims to encapsulate the full impact of gun violence within educational environments.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw a marked decline in such incidents, as schools were closed. However, the years following the pandemic have shown a sharp increase in school shootings, with records set in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. The year 2022 was particularly devastating, registering 47 fatalities—the highest in recent years. The tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 students and two educators were killed, underscored the urgency of addressing gun violence in schools.
Geographic Disparities in School Shootings
Certain regions in the United States have experienced disproportionately high rates of school shootings relative to their populations. According to CNN’s analysis, Washington, DC recorded the highest rate, with six total shootings, equating to nearly one incident per 100,000 residents. In contrast, Texas had the highest number of overall incidents, with 64 school shootings reported.
On the other hand, some states have notably avoided this epidemic. Montana, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island have not recorded any school shootings during this period, highlighting a stark contrast in safety across the nation.
The rising toll of violence has prompted students and educators to engage in activism aimed at addressing the pressing issue of gun safety in schools. Some educators have even chosen to leave the profession, citing concerns over safety in their working environments.
As the year progresses, the focus on gun violence in educational settings continues to grow, with communities calling for substantial reforms and strategies to prevent further tragedies. The data compiled paints a sobering picture, necessitating urgent discussions on how to protect students and educators in schools across the United States.
