Summary
Mass killings in the United States fell to their lowest level in twenty years in 2025, even though Congress did not pass new federal gun control laws. There were 17 incidents classified as mass killings, compared to 42 in 2023. Experts suggest this decline may be due to a return to pre-pandemic levels and local policy changes.
Key Facts
- The U.S. recorded 17 mass killing incidents in 2025, the lowest since 2006.
- No new federal gun control laws were passed in 2025.
- Experts attribute the decline to a return to pre-pandemic levels rather than new laws.
- A mass killing is defined as an event where four or more people die, excluding the attacker.
- Almost half of mass killings involve family or domestic disputes, not public spaces.
- School-based threat assessments have increased, possibly preventing school violence.
- The 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act may also contribute to the decline by supporting mental health and violence prevention programs.
- Experts caution the decrease may not be a long-term trend.
