More than 900 children in the United States have now died of gun violence in 2024. At least 173 children ages 0 to 11 have been killed this year. The number rises to 803 in teens ages 12 to 17. In total, 976 children and teens died so far this year.
As of September, 395 children have been injured in gun violence crimes. This increases to 2,263 among teens, data showed.
Georgia Shooting
Over 20 U.S. schools have been impacted by gun violence so far this year. The Apalachee High School in Georgia is the latest after Wednesday morning's shooting.
Four people died in the Wednesday shooting that included 14-year-old students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo. Two teachers were also killed, namely Richard Aspinwall and Christina Irimie, according to the New York Times.
Nine others were injured in the Wednesday shooting. Police identified 14-year-old student Colt Gray as the shooter.
The Georgia incident is the deadliest school shooting since March 2023. A former student of The Covenant School in Nashville opened fire on March 27. Six died in the shooting, including three students.
The shooter at the Nashville incident was identified as Audrey Hale. Police said Hale carried two "assault-style" weapons and a pistol to enter the school building. Hale was killed by police minutes at the scene.
US School Shootings
The Georgia shooting is the 23rd school shooting incident recorded in K-12 properties this year. For comparison, there were 38 school shootings reported last year, Education Week reported.
Education Week covers news related to K-12 education. The report counts shootings if they meet certain criteria, including:
Incidents where a firearm was used
When a victim has a bullet wound from a shooting incident
If the shooting happens on a K-12 property or school bus
If the school was in session or it was at a school-sponsored event
In total, 49 people have either died or been injured in K-12 school shooting incidents this year, the report noted.
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