Gun violence in U.S. schools

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teens under the age of 20 in the United States. Since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999, there have been 417 cases of gun violence in schools as of September 2024. The frequency of school shootings increased dramatically after 2018, with a slight decrease in 2020 during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At least 203 children, educators, and others have been killed in school shootings since 1999 and an additional 441 people injured as of September 6, 2024.

Efforts to end gun violence at schools have primarily focused on policy. Members of the Republican Party have primarily sought to arm school staff and expand conceal carry laws. Democratic Party members have focused on strengthening background checks required to purchase firearms. Both parties have also supported policy aiming to assist teens and firearm owners in mental health awareness and treatment. Various advocacy groups support expanded background checks as well as assault weapons bans, safe storage laws, and other policies.

The federal government of the United States does not track school shootings, but a number of private organizations do: most notably the Gun Violence Archive.

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