Mass Killings in the U.S. Drop to Lowest Rate in 20 Years

The United States has reached a two-decade low in mass killings, with a total of 17 incidents reported in 2025. The latest tragic event occurred during a family gathering in Stockton, California, resulting in four fatalities.

This number reflects a significant decline of nearly 59 percent compared to 2019, which recorded a staggering 41 mass killings. These incidents, defined as events where four or more individuals are killed within a 24-hour period (excluding the perpetrator), are tracked through police reports, court documents, and media sources.

According to criminologist James Alan Fox, who oversees the database for such incidents, the mass killings reported in 2025 showcase a 24 percent decrease from the prior year, building on a decrease of approximately 20 percent from 2023. He suggests that this trend may indicate a “regression to the mean,” suggesting a return to standard crime levels following recent fluctuations.

However, experts urge caution as numbers can fluctuate greatly. James Densley, a criminal justice scholar, emphasized that only a few dozen mass killings occur annually, hence even minor shifts can appear pronounced while merely reflecting typical trends.

Contributing factors to this decline may include a general decrease in violent crimes and homicides since the peaks associated with the pandemic. Enhanced emergency response measures have also played a role in mitigating fatalities during mass casualty scenarios. For instance, an August school shooting in Minnesota resulted in two deaths and over 20 injuries, with prompt trauma care and nearby medical facilities credited for saving numerous lives.

Despite these positive indicators, gun violence remains a pressing issue. Eric Madfis, a criminal justice professor, remarked, “Even with these reductions, the U.S. continues to endure alarmingly high rates of mass shootings compared to other nations.”

In 2025, approximately 82 percent of mass killings involved firearms. Since 2006, a total of 3,234 individuals have been killed in mass shootings across the U.S., with firearms accounting for 81 percent of those fatalities.