US Mass Killings Reach 20-Year Low in 2025, Despite Recent California Tragedy
The United States recorded its lowest number of mass killings since 2006 in 2025, with 17 incidents, a 24% decrease from 2024, though firearms remain the primary weapon.
Overview
The United States recorded its lowest number of mass killings in 2025 since 2006, with seventeen incidents, a 24% decrease from 2024's 38 mass killings.
Despite the overall decline, the latest mass killing occurred at a child's birthday party in California, resulting in the tragic deaths of three children and one adult.
Firearms were involved in 82% of 2025's mass killings, aligning with the trend that 81% of all mass killing victims since 2006 were shooting victims.
The reduction in mass killings in 2025 is partly attributed to improvements in response to mass casualty incidents across the nation.
In response to ongoing concerns, 22 states are now requiring and increasing funding for school threat assessments, aiming to prevent future tragedies.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of mass killings. They provide a chronological list of incidents and relevant statistics without employing loaded language or offering interpretive commentary. The coverage adheres to a consistent definition of 'mass killing,' emphasizing data over subjective analysis.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The report uses the definition of a mass killing as an incident where three or more people are killed in a single event, which aligns with the Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012. This definition is commonly used by Congress and federal agencies for tracking such incidents.
The United States recorded 17 mass killings in 2025, the lowest number since 2006 and a 24% decrease from the 38 mass killings in 2024.
Firearms were involved in 82% of mass killings in 2025, continuing the trend that 81% of all mass killing victims since 2006 were victims of shootings.
In response to ongoing concerns, 22 states are now requiring and increasing funding for school threat assessments to help prevent future tragedies.
The most recent mass killing in 2025 occurred at a child's birthday party in California, resulting in the deaths of three children and one adult.
History
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