Incidents of Gun Violence on School Grounds in 2024 Officially Surpasses Total Rates from 2023
10.9.2024
As of September 30, 2024, the number of gun-related incidents on school grounds for this year has officially outpaced the total number of incidents that occurred throughout 2023. Compared to the 158 instances last year, there have been at least 160 occurrences of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 46 deaths and 106 injuries nationally in 2024.
“The time for thoughts and prayers expired decades ago,” said Camille Paradis, a survivor of the shooting at Sandy Hook School and volunteer with Student Demand Action. “Students aren’t asking, we’re demanding that lawmakers get their priorities straight because it’s not the books that are killing us – it’s the easy access to guns. I don’t want another day to go by where my biggest academic achievement will be whether or not I survive to see graduation day.”
“It’s important to remember these aren’t just numbers, these are people’s lives that have been forever impacted by gunfire on school grounds, the last place they should have to worry about violence of any kind,” said Sarah Burd-Sharps, Senior Director of Research at Everytown for Gun Safety. “While gun violence remains the leading cause of death for children and teens in America, some states are allowing educators to carry guns in schools instead of passing common-sense gun safety laws to prevent guns from entering schools in the first place. If this data indicates one thing, it’s that we have to do better.”
The following states have the highest reported cases of gun violence on school grounds in 2024 so far:
- Texas, 17
- Georgia, 11
- California, 8
- Ohio, 8
- Tennessee, 8
- North Carolina, 7
- South Carolina, 7
- Florida, 6
- Indiana, 6
In August, Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund, alongside K-12 School Shooting Database Founder and Researcher David Riedman, released a new report finding the 2023-2024 academic year saw the second-highest number of shootings at K-12 schools since Everytown started tracking in 2013. There were at least 144 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, a 31% increase from the prior school year. You can read the full report here.
The increase in school-related gun violence comes amidst the nation grieving from yet another mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia last month – killing two students and two teachers. Since the shooting, school districts and law enforcement have seen an influx in school shooting threats, particularly in states with weak gun laws.
Whether it’s an online threat being made, a false alarm that prompts a swatting incident, or the worst-case scenario, any incident that involves firearms at school can traumatize entire communities. However, access to a gun in these cases can mean the difference between a threat remaining online or becoming a reality.
Despite the majority of threats being deemed not credible following the shooting at Apalachee High School, hundreds of students have been arrested. Behavioral experts have expressed concern that these fake threats are often a cry for help, showing students need better access to counseling and mental health services – not carceral punishment.
As extremist lawmakers continue to focus on arming teachers and pushing more guns in more places, the threat of gun violence is greater than ever. The research is clear that gun safety laws save lives. To prevent violence on school grounds, lawmakers must take legislative action to address gun violence; implement secure firearm storage laws, Extreme Risk laws, raise the age to purchase semi automatic firearms, require background checks on all gun sales, and prohibit assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. More information on effective prevention methods can be found here.
Earlier this year, Everytown and National PTA also joined forces to fight to protect children’s safety from gun violence. Through the alliance, Everytown and the PTA have developed tools and resources to empower parents to influence planning decisions related to gun violence prevention and school safety.