Direct exposure to mass shootings among a nationally representative sample of Americans

• In Event: Gun Violence and Homicide in the United States: Collaborative, Mixed-methods Approaches

Abstract

Mass shootings have recently emerged as a unique violent crime category distinguished by their severity, recurring nature, and the significant media coverage these dramatic events attract. The alarming frequency of mass shootings raises critical but henceforth unanswered questions about their presence in the everyday lives of Americans, prompting our study to explore the extent of direct exposure among the population. Utilizing a nationally representative survey of 10,000 Americans, the current study quantifies the pervasiveness of these tragic events, examining not only firsthand experiences but also the correlates of exposure. The findings reveal that 20% of Americans have experienced a mass shooting within their local community, underscoring the ubiquity of the issue; 7% were physically present at the scene of a mass shooting, highlighting the proximity of such devastating events to everyday lives; and 2% sustained physical injuries during these incidents, providing a stark indication of the potential for harm associated with mass shootings. The findings allow for a deeper understanding of the true breadth of mass shootings’ influence on American society, highlighting the far-reaching and often underappreciated ripple effects that permeate communities and shape public perceptions, physical and mental health, and policy debates.

Authors

• James Densley, Metropolitan State University

• David Pyrooz, University of Colorado Boulder

• Jillian Peterson, Violence Prevention Project