Data Shows 2018 Worst Year on Record for Gun Violence in Schools

Data Shows 2018 Worst Year on Record for Gun Violence in Schools

According to data from the US Naval Postgraduate School’s K-12 school shooting database, there were 94 incidents of gun violence in schools this year.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • December 18, 2018

According to data from the US Naval Postgraduate School’s K-12 school shooting database, there were 94 incidents of gun violence in schools this year. This year’s rate of gun violence in schools is a record high since 1970, which is the earliest year covered by the database, and 59 percent higher than the previous record of 59 incidents in 2006.

The database’s homepage notes that it counts “each and every instance a gun is brandished, is fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims, time of day, or day of week.” It pulls its information and data from a variety of sources, including government agencies and media reports.

In addition to tracking the sheer number of gun violence incidents on campuses, the database also tracks deaths; 2018 was also the worst year on record for gun deaths. At press time, 55 people, including the shooter, were killed in school gun violence this year. The second-worst year for school gun deaths was 1993, during which 40 died.

School gun violence this year has sparked discussion of stricter gun laws, especially in the aftermath of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting Feb. 14, in which 17 people were killed. Schools and police departments are also working to implement new and stricter safety and security measures on campuses to prevent violence from ever beginning.

More detailed breakdown and analysis of the US Naval Postgraduate School’s K-12 school shooting database information can be found here.  

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now

Most   Popular