Fact check: How many murders in the United States in 2024 by AR 15s.

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided do not offer a specific answer to the question of how many murders were committed in the United States in 2024 using AR-15s ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}. However, they do provide some context on gun violence and crime statistics in the United States. According to the FBI, there was a decrease in murder and non-negligent manslaughter of 14.9% in 2024 compared to the previous year ^[1]. Additionally, handguns were involved in 53% of gun murders and non-negligent manslaughters in 2023, while rifles, which include guns sometimes referred to as 'assault weapons', were involved in 4% of firearm murders ^[2]. The Gun Violence Archive reports that almost 5,000 people have died in U.S. gun violence so far in 2024, with mass shootings leading to more than 80 deaths and over 170 injuries ^[8]. Key points to note are the lack of specific data on AR-15 related murders and the overall decrease in gun violence and crime rates.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some missing context in the original statement includes the fact that the FBI's crime statistics for 2024 show a decrease in murder and non-negligent manslaughter, but do not provide specific information on the number of murders committed with AR-15s ^[1]. Alternative viewpoints can be considered, such as the popularity and history of AR-15s ^[5], and the Supreme Court's decision to allow an AR-15 ban in Maryland ^[6]. It is also important to consider the limitations of the data, as the sources do not provide specific information on the number of murders committed with AR-15s. Some sources provide information on the decrease in crime rates in specific cities, such as New York City, which saw a decrease in murder by 3.6% ^[7]. Other viewpoints to consider are the different types of guns involved in murders, such as handguns and rifles, and their respective percentages of involvement in gun violence ^[2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be considered misleading, as it implies that there is available data on the number of murders committed with AR-15s in 2024, when in fact, the analyses provided do not offer a specific answer to this question ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]}. This lack of information could lead to misinformation and bias, as it may be assumed that AR-15s are involved in a significant number of murders, when in fact, the data is not available. The sources that provide information on the decrease in crime rates and gun violence may benefit from this framing, as it highlights the effectiveness of their efforts to reduce crime ^{[1] [7]}. On the other hand, sources that report on mass shootings and gun violence may benefit from a different framing, as it highlights the need for stricter gun control laws ^{[4] [6] [8]}. Ultimately, it is crucial to consider multiple sources and viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue.