Record number of deaths and injuries from school shootings in September

New data shows last month was September with the worst school shooting deaths and injuries in a decade.

The report, “School Shooting Data and Analysis,” authored by David Riedman of the K-12 School Shooting Database, shows that eight people were killed and 38 injured in school shootings in September 2024, more than any previous September – usually the first School month after the summer break – since 2014.

The K-12 School Shooting Database consists of data on all gun-related activity at a school, including incidents in which a weapon is brandished or fired or a bullet strikes school grounds for any reason.

September data shows a decline in the number of school shootings – 33 in September 2024 compared to 38, 36 and 55 in the same month in the previous three years, respectively.

The shootings, however, were more dangerous. This September saw a sharp increase in shooting-related injuries: 38 students were injured during the month, compared to 20 in September 2023 and 33 in September 2022.

It also shows an increase in deaths. Eight students were killed in September 2024, the highest number in the same month since 2014.

Riedman said Newsweek that the increase was due in part to the 13 people shot at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia, on September 4, as well as “the systematic gun violence that happens every day on campus.” [for example] Arguments that escalate, accidents, domestic violence.”

The Apalachee school shooting left two teachers and two students, both 14, dead. Eight other students and a faculty member were injured. Police have charged a 14-year-old suspect, Colt Gray, with murder. His father was also arrested in connection with the incident and accused of giving his son an assault rifle.

Riedman believes the key to combating school shootings lies in “public education and a standardized reporting system similar to the principle of ‘see something, say something'” so that anyone who spots “red flags” can easily report them to police. “

He added that there is also a need for “fully funded crisis intervention programs in every community to help someone who has risk factors before they decide that violence is their only option.”

Reidman also supports laws requiring safe storage of guns and the possibility of holding legal gun owners liable for crimes committed with their firearm if it is left unsecured.

The year 2023 was the worst year on record for school shootings, with a total of 348 incidents, according to the K-12 School Shooting Database. There have been 249 school shootings so far in 2024.

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