September 2024: A Tragic Month For School Shootings

New data shows last month was the worst September for deaths and injuries from school shootings for the past decade. The School Shooting Data and Analysis report, written by David Riedman of the K-12 School Shooting Database, reveals that September 2024 saw eight people killed, and 38 people injured from school shootings, higher than any previous September — typically the first month of school after summer break — since 2014. This alarming statistic highlights the ongoing crisis of gun violence in schools, raising urgent questions about safety and prevention measures.

The K-12 School Shooting Database is comprised of data for all gun-related activity at schools, including incidents where a gun is brandished or fired, or a bullet strikes school property for any reason. As students return to classrooms, the hope for a safe educational environment is overshadowed by these troubling figures. The data underscores the necessity for effective strategies to reduce gun violence in educational settings and protect students.

The recent report also indicates a decrease in the number of school shootings overall, with 33 incidents recorded in September 2024 compared to higher figures in previous years. However, the severity of these shootings has increased, leading to more injuries and fatalities. This paradox raises critical discussions about the nature of violence today and what can be done to combat it effectively.

The data from September shows a decrease in the number of school shootings — 33 in September 2024 compared to 38, 36, and 55 in the same month for the prior three years respectively. However, the shootings have been more dangerous. This September saw a sharp rise in shooting-related injuries, with 38 students wounded during the month compared to 20 in September of 2023, and 33 in September 2022. It also shows an increase in deaths. In September 2024, eight students were killed, the highest number for the same month since 2014.

Riedman told Newsweek that the increase was in part due to the 13 people shot on September 4 at Apalachee High School near Winder, Georgia, as well as "the systemic gun violence that happens on campus every day, [for example] fights that escalate, accidents, domestic violence." The Apalachee school shooting left two teachers and two students, both 14 years old, dead, with eight other students and one faculty member injured. Police charged a 14-year-old suspect, Colt Gray, with murder. His father has also been arrested in connection with the incident, accused of giving his son an assault-style rifle.

Riedman believes that the key to addressing school shootings is "public education and a standardized reporting system similar to 'see something, say something' so that anyone who spots 'red flags' can easily report them to the police." He added that there was also a need for "fully funded crisis intervention programs in every community to help someone who shows risk factors before they decide violence is their only option." Reidman also advocates for laws that require safe gun storage, and the ability to hold legal gun owners liable for crimes committed with their firearm if it is left unsecured.

2023 was the worst year on record for school shootings, with a total of 348 incidents as recorded by the K-12 School Shooting Database. So far, 2024 has seen 249 school shootings. The urgency for action is clear, and it is imperative that we work together to ensure our schools are safe havens for learning and growth.

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