Significant Decline in Mass Shootings Reported

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News Summary

The United States has seen a substantial drop in mass shootings, with only four incidents resulting in four or more victim deaths recorded by mid-May. This marks a decrease from 11 incidents during the same period in the previous year, making it the lowest count since data collection began. Despite the decline, public anxiety about mass shootings has risen dramatically, prompting discussions about parental responsibilities and gun access for minors, especially following a high-profile school shooting case in Georgia.

Atlanta, Georgia – The United States has recorded a significant decline in mass shootings in 2025, with only four incidents resulting in four or more victim deaths as of May 10. This marks a stark drop from 11 mass shootings during the same timeframe in 2024, making it the lowest count for the first four months of the year since data collection began in 2006.

Overall, mass shootings decreased from 39 in 2023 to 30 in 2024. Additionally, episodes involving four or more victims that led to deaths or injuries fell from 659 in 2023 to 503 in the following year, reflecting a 24% decline. Comparatively, the number of those shootings further decreased in 2025, dropping from 152 in 2024 to 106 by May 10.

Despite the decline in mass shootings, public anxiety surrounding the phenomenon has surged. According to surveys conducted by Chapman University, fears related to mass shootings have nearly tripled from 16% in 2015 to 46% in 2025. In a related survey by the American Psychological Association, around one-third of respondents indicated they avoided specific locations due to fears of potential shootings.

Mass shootings occurring in private homes account for nearly half of the incidents, while approximately 25% are tied to gang conflicts and criminal enterprises. Notably, only three public mass killings involving firearms took place in 2024, a significant reduction from ten incidents in 2023. As of this year, there have been no reported public mass shooting incidents.

Heightened public anxiety has prompted some policymakers to enact measures perceived as ineffective—such as loosening concealed carry laws and implementing traumatic school lockdown drills. Analysts have urged that media coverage should balance the narrative of mass shooting “epidemics” by highlighting the downward trends and making clear distinctions between fatal and non-fatal incidents.

Additonally, the United States constitutes roughly 4% of the global population but is responsible for an estimated 16% to 26% of public mass shootings, prompting researchers to examine the correlation between gun laws and mass shooting frequency. Some studies suggest that states with stricter gun regulations—like required permits for purchasing firearms and limits on magazine sizes—experience fewer mass shootings along with reduced casualties.

In a stark contrast to the statistical drop in mass shootings, a high-profile case in Georgia is drawing attention to the responsibilities of parents regarding their children’s access to firearms. The indictment of Colin Gray and his son Colt Gray related to the Apalachee High School shooting on September 4, 2024, marks only the second instance in United States history where a parent has been charged in connection with a minor’s mass shooting.

Fourteen-year-old Colt Gray faces 55 charges, including murder and aggravated assault, for allegedly fatally shooting two students and two teachers while injuring eight others. His father, Colin Gray, is burdened with 29 counts for allegedly enabling his son’s access to firearms, having gifted the 14-year-old an assault-style rifle months before the shooting. Investigators have indicated that Colin Gray was aware of his son’s mental health struggles and the acquisition of firearms.

Evidence from the case reveals that Colt Gray had an obsession with school shootings, with a notebook found that contained documented plans for the assault. There were prior warnings about his threats and violent interests, which had been discussed with law enforcement in the months leading up to the tragedy.

The case has ignited discussions about parental responsibilities and the monitoring of children’s mental health concerning access to firearms. Critics have pointed to Colin Gray’s failure to address his son’s troubling behavior despite being aware of previous threats and mental health concerns. Prosecutors in this case are not offering a plea deal for Colt Gray, while victims’ families have expressed their desire for a life sentence without parole should he choose to plead guilty.