https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
Using data from 2020, approx 45,000 died.
- 43% homicide, 54% suicide, 3% other
- Approx 1% accidental, 1% law enforcement, 1% undetermined
- Mass shootings, while not consistently defined, would seem to represent between .1% and 1% of total gun deaths depending on definition.
- Gun types used in homicides: 59% handgun, 3% rifle, 1% shotgun. The rest, undetermined.
- Current murder/suicide rates are near peaks previously seen in the 70s and 90s. (notably: 2000 - 2014 was a relatively low number period)
Observations:
This data confirmed what I thought to be true: murders with assault weapons leading to mass casualties in public places represent a very small proportion of total gun homicides. They're just much more highly visible and "scary" to the greater public due to their seemingly random nature in places you wouldn't expect to see them. Despite their low (relative) numbers, they have an outsized effect on people's attitudes towards gun violence.
The vast majority of gun homicides are effectively "out of sight out of mind" scenarios with more mundane weapons. Probably concentrated in communities with lower socio-economic status. (and thus don't get much attention)
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
Using data from 2020, approx 45,000 died.
- 43% homicide, 54% suicide, 3% other
- Approx 1% accidental, 1% law enforcement, 1% undetermined
- Mass shootings, while not consistently defined, would seem to represent between .1% and 1% of total gun deaths depending on definition.
- Gun types used in homicides: 59% handgun, 3% rifle, 1% shotgun. The rest, undetermined.
- Current murder/suicide rates are near peaks previously seen in the 70s and 90s. (notably: 2000 - 2014 was a relatively low number period)
Observations:
This data confirmed what I thought to be true: murders with assault weapons leading to mass casualties in public places represent a very small proportion of total gun homicides. They're just much more highly visible and "scary" to the greater public due to their seemingly random nature in places you wouldn't expect to see them. Despite their low (relative) numbers, they have an outsized effect on people's attitudes towards gun violence.
The vast majority of gun homicides are effectively "out of sight out of mind" scenarios with more mundane weapons. Probably concentrated in communities with lower socio-economic status. (and thus don't get much attention)
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
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