Fact check: How many school shootings were there in the United States in 2024

1. Summary of the results

The number of school shootings in the United States in 2024 is a matter of discrepancy among the provided sources. Two distinct figures emerge: 83 school shootings, as reported by sources ^[1] and ^[1], which is the second-highest number since at least 2008 ^[1]. In contrast, sources ^[2], ^[2], and ^[2] report 330 school shootings in 2024, with ^[2] noting this as the second-highest number since 1966, resulting in 269 people wounded or killed ^[2]. Additionally, source ^[2] mentions that this figure is according to the K‑12 School Shooting Database, which counts any gun fired, brandished, or bullet hitting school property ^[2]. Different definitions and methodologies may account for these discrepancies, as hinted by source ^[2], which also references Everytown for Gun Safety tracking at least 219 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2024 using a narrower definition ^[2]. The FBI reports 24 active shooter incidents in 2024, a 50% decrease from 2023, but this does not directly answer the question about the total number of school shootings ^[3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key missing context is the definition of a school shooting used by each source, as this significantly impacts the reported numbers. Source ^[2] provides some insight into different definitions, mentioning the K‑12 School Shooting Database's broad criteria and Everytown for Gun Safety's narrower definition ^[2]. However, a comprehensive understanding of how each source defines a school shooting is necessary for a thorough comparison. Alternative viewpoints include focusing on mass shootings and gun violence in general, as mentioned by source ^[6], or considering the broader context of crime and safety in U.S. public schools, as discussed in source ^[4], which does not provide a specific figure for 2024 but offers a broader perspective on school safety ^[4]. The FBI's report on active shooter incidents ^[3] and crime in schools ^[5] also offers valuable but distinct insights into school violence, highlighting the complexity of the issue.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement's simplicity ("How many school shootings were there in the United States in 2024") belies the complexity of defining and counting school shootings, as evidenced by the varying figures and methodologies presented by the sources ^{[1] [2]}. Potential misinformation arises from not acknowledging these discrepancies and the different definitions used. Bias could be introduced by selectively presenting one figure over another without context, potentially influencing public perception and policy discussions. For instance, presenting only the figure of 83 school shootings ^[1] might underestimate the severity of the issue, while solely reporting 330 incidents ^[2] could overestimate it. It is crucial to consider the sources' methodologies and definitions to avoid misinformation and bias, as each source benefits from its respective framing: sources ^[1] and ^[1] might be seen as underreporting, while sources ^[2], ^[2], and ^[2] could be viewed as providing a more comprehensive but possibly alarming picture ^{[1] [2]}.