Fact check: How many school shootings have there been in the u.s from 2019 to 2024?

1. Summary of the results

The number of school shootings in the U.S. from 2019 to 2024 is a topic of concern, with various sources providing different information ^[1]. According to Education Week’s analysis ^[2], there were 24 school shootings in 2019, 10 in 2020, 35 in 2021, 51 in 2022, 38 in 2023, and 39 in 2024, resulting in injuries or deaths. CNN’s analysis ^[1] reports that there were at least 83 school shooting incidents in 2024, and that the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 all set records for school shootings since at least 2008. However, other sources, such as the FBI ^[3] and the Gun Violence Archive ^[4], do not provide a comprehensive total for the years 2019-2024, but rather focus on active shooter incidents and mass shootings, respectively. The K-12 School Shooting Database ^[5] tracks all incidents of school shootings, but does not provide specific data on the number of school shootings from 2019 to 2024.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources, such as NPR ^[6], provide information on gun-related incidents on school grounds in 2025, but do not offer data for the years 2019-2024. The National Center for Education Statistics ^[7] reports on the state of school crime and safety in 2021-22, including violent and nonviolent incidents, but does not provide data on school shootings specifically. The American Psychological Association ^[8] discusses the growth of violence and aggression against educators post-pandemic, but does not provide specific data on school shootings from 2019 to 2024. These alternative viewpoints highlight the need for a comprehensive and standardized approach to tracking school shootings. Additionally, the Gun Violence Archive ^[4] mentions that there have been more than 488 mass shootings in 2024, which may not be directly related to school shootings, but still provides context on the broader issue of gun violence.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks for the number of school shootings in the U.S. from 2019 to 2024, but does not provide any context or definition of what constitutes a school shooting ^[1]. This lack of clarity may lead to confusion and potential misinformation. The FBI ^[3] and the Gun Violence Archive ^[4] may benefit from a broader definition of school shootings, as it could include active shooter incidents and mass shootings that occur on school grounds. On the other hand, Education Week ^[2] and CNN ^[1] may benefit from a more narrow definition, as it could exclude incidents that do not result in injuries or deaths. The K-12 School Shooting Database ^[5] may benefit from providing more comprehensive data on school shootings, as it could help to inform policies and initiatives aimed at preventing such incidents. Overall, the potential for misinformation and bias in the original statement highlights the need for clear definitions, comprehensive data, and a nuanced understanding of the complex issue of school shootings.