A stacked bar chart showing public, non-public and other/unresolved/undetermined mass shootings from 2006 and 2023 year to date. Non-public mass shootings make up the majority of shootings in almost all years. The total number of mass shootings has spiked in recent years, reaching a record over 30 twice in the past five years.

Mass shootings by type from 2006 to 2023

Most mass shootings in the United States are not public, with only 22% occurring in public places, like malls, schools and places of worship, since 2006. The rest were in private homes, between family members, or linked to other serious crimes, or their circumstances were undetermined. The number of mass shootings reached a record high twice in the past five years.

Other/Unsolved/Undetermined

Public

Not public

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

2008

2006

2009

2020

2007

2022

2023

2010

2018

2016

2019

2012

2015

2014

2017

2013

2021

2011

SOURCES: Associated Press/USA TODAY/Northeastern University Mass Killings Database

 

The database defines a public mass killing as the intentional killing of at least four victims within 24 hours. Killings at private homes or in connection with other crimes are excluded, as are deaths of offenders or of unborn children.

 

Annie Jennemann/Baltimore Sun