By Jessica Card

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Gun control remains one of the most contentious issues in the United States. With a history of mass shootings and gun-related violence, the debate over gun control laws continues to polarize the nation. This article explores the impact of gun control laws, the number of school shootings since these laws were enacted, and the number of victims affected by these tragic events.


The impact of gun control laws in the United States is multifaceted. According to research by RAND, various state-level gun policies have been systematically reviewed to understand their effects on public health and safety.

The findings indicate that while some policies may reduce firearm-related deaths and violent crime, others have little to no effect. For instance, background checks and restrictions on firearm sales have been associated with reductions in gun-related homicides and suicides.

Public opinion on gun control is deeply divided. A Pew Research Center report highlights that Americans are split on whether gun ownership increases or decreases safety. While a majority of Republicans believe that gun ownership enhances safety, most Democrats argue that it leads to more violence.

Despite these differences, there is a general consensus that stricter gun laws are necessary, with 58% of Americans supporting more stringent regulations.

School Shootings Since Gun Control Laws

School shootings have become a tragic and recurring event in the United States. Data from USAFacts reveals that between the 2000-01 and 2021-22 school years, there were 1,375 school shootings at public and private elementary and secondary schools, resulting in 515 deaths and 1,161 injuries⁹. The 2021-22 school year alone saw the highest number of school shootings, with 327 incidents resulting in 81 deaths and 269 injuries.

In 2024, there have been approximately 23 school shootings reported on K-12 campuses, resulting in nearly 50 casualties, including both deaths and injuries⁶[^10^]. This data underscores the persistent threat of gun violence in educational institutions, despite ongoing efforts to implement stricter gun control measures.


The number of victims in school shootings is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence. Since 2000, there have been 1,676 casualties from school shootings, including both deaths and injuries. The data shows that high schools are the most common sites for these incidents, followed by elementary and middle schools.

In recent years, the number of school shootings and the resulting casualties have fluctuated. For example, in 2023, there were 38 school shootings, resulting in 63 casualties. In 2024, the number of school shootings has decreased slightly, but the impact remains significant, with 49 casualties reported so far.

Mass Shootings

Since the implementation of stricter gun control laws, the United States has witnessed a significant number of mass shootings, excluding school shootings. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 600 mass shootings annually in recent years.

In 2023 alone, there were 647 mass shootings, resulting in 3,179 injuries and 702 deaths. These incidents often occur in public spaces such as shopping malls, places of worship, and entertainment venues, highlighting the pervasive nature of gun violence across various settings. Despite the introduction of new regulations, the frequency and impact of mass shootings remain a critical concern for policymakers and communities alike.


Gun control in the United States continues to be a polarizing issue, with significant implications for public safety and the well-being of communities.

While some gun control measures have shown promise in reducing firearm-related deaths and violence, the persistent occurrence of school shootings highlights the need for ongoing efforts to address this critical issue.

The data on school shootings and their victims serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for effective and comprehensive gun control policies.

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