Mass Killings in the U.S. Drop to Lowest Level Since 2006, Experts Urge Caution
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has experienced a significant decline in mass killings this year, with just 17 incidents recorded in 2025, the lowest number since 2006, according to a comprehensive national database maintained by The Associated Press, USA Today, and Northeastern University. This data reflects a 24% decrease from 2024, which itself saw a roughly 20% drop from 2023, signaling a notable shift in a trend that has long troubled the nation.
The database defines a mass killing as an event in which four or more people are intentionally killed within a 24-hour period, excluding the perpetrator. While most of these incidents involved firearms—14 out of 17—there were also three non-firearm mass killings, typically involving stabbings, arson, blunt-force trauma, or vehicular attacks, according to the methodology used by the researchers.
James Alan Fox, a criminologist at Northeastern University who helps manage the database, emphasized that despite the encouraging numbers, caution is warranted. “Will 2026 see a decline? I wouldn’t bet on it,” Fox told the Associated Press. “What goes down must also go back up.” He noted that mass killing totals tend to fluctuate sharply from year to year, and small changes in the number of incidents can appear as dramatic shifts.
James Densley, a professor at Metropolitan State University in Minnesota, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the relatively small number of mass killings annually. “Because there’s only a few dozen mass killings in a year, a small change could look like a wave or a collapse,” he said. “2025 looks really good in historical context, but we can’t pretend like that means the problem is gone for good.”
Experts suggest that the decline may be partially attributed to the nationwide decrease in homicide and violent crime rates following the COVID-19 pandemic era spikes. Improvements in emergency response and preparedness for mass-casualty events might also be playing a role. For example, the rapid response to the August shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, which tragically claimed two students’ lives and injured several others, demonstrated enhanced tactical and medical readiness.
Despite the decline, mass killings remain a critical public safety concern. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s mass murder statistics continue to inform law enforcement strategies nationwide. Additionally, the Department of Justice supports various initiatives aimed at preventing such tragedies through community engagement and mental health resources.
Gun violence remains a predominant factor in mass killings, underscoring ongoing debates over firearm regulations and public safety policies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, firearm-related homicides constitute a significant portion of violent deaths in the U.S., prompting calls for comprehensive approaches to reduce gun violence.
While the data offers a cautiously optimistic view of recent trends, researchers and policymakers alike stress the importance of sustained efforts to understand and mitigate the complex causes of mass violence. The fluctuating nature of these incidents demands vigilance and adaptive strategies to protect communities across the country.
For now, the 2025 figures provide a rare moment of respite in a persistent national crisis, but experts warn that the underlying issues remain unresolved and that the nation must not become complacent.
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