Share of school shootings U.S. 1966-2024, by end result
Between 1966 to April 18, 2024, 37 percent of school shootings in the United States resulted in the shooter fleeing and being apprehended. Within the provided time period, a similar share of school shootings ended with the shooter fleeing and escaping, at 36.9 percent. In comparison, only 7.4 percent of school shootings had an end result of the shooter being apprehended and killed by law enforcement while 6.8 percent resulted in suicide by the shooter.
The source defines a school shooting as every time a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims (including zero), time, day or the week, or reason, including gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after hours school events, suicides, fights that escalate into shootings, and accidents. Data may differ based on what definition is used.
The source defines a school shooting as every time a gun is brandished, fired, or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number of victims (including zero), time, day or the week, or reason, including gang shootings, domestic violence, shootings at sports games and after hours school events, suicides, fights that escalate into shootings, and accidents. Data may differ based on what definition is used.
