Report examines 50 attacks
The report examines 50 attacks. These were the attacks analyzed across the study.
Across the 50 attacks examined
NCIER®
The Incidents
Report pages 13–14: 71 claims on pp. 13–14 (fact 56, evidence 15).
Claims in this section
128 people were injured across the 50 attacks
Across the 50 attacks examined, 128 people were injured.
128 people were injured
119 people were killed across the 50 attacks
Across the 50 attacks examined, 119 people were killed.
119 were killed
Harmed individuals frequently included employees, customers, and visitors
Individuals harmed in these attacks frequently included employees, customers, and visitors of the targeted site.
Individuals harmed during attacks frequently included employees, customers, and visitors of the targeted site.
Table 1: location types impacted by the attacks
Table 1 lists the location types impacted by the attacks, with n and percentage for each type (retail/services 14, 28%; restaurants/bars 10, 20%; manufacturing/distribution 10, 20%; healthcare 7, 14%; and others).
Sample (N = 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Table 1: Locations Impacted
Retail and service outlets were most frequently impacted (n = 14, 28%)
Retail and service outlets were the most frequently impacted location type (n = 14, 28%), including grocery stores, hotels, salons, banks, law firms, and technology companies.
Sample (n = 14 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Retail and service outlets were the most frequently impacted location type (n = 14, 28%)
Restaurants and bars were impacted in 20% of attacks (n = 10)
Restaurants and bars were among the commonly impacted location types (n = 10, 20%).
Sample (n = 10 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Restaurants/Bars | 10 | 20%
Manufacturing and distribution impacted in 20% of attacks (n = 10)
Manufacturing and distribution sites were among the commonly impacted location types (n = 10, 20%).
Sample (n = 10 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Manufacturing/Distribution | 10 | 20%
Healthcare settings impacted in 14% of attacks (n = 7)
Healthcare settings were among the commonly impacted location types (n = 7, 14%).
Sample (n = 7 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Healthcare | 7 | 14%
3 attacks took place in more than one location type
Location-type totals exceed 50 because 3 attacks took place in more than one location type.
Total will exceed 50 as 3 attacks took place in more than one location type.
45-year-old shooter killed four across three locations after divorce dispute
A 45-year-old gunman fatally shot four people across three locations after confronting his wife over divorce papers, including her coworkers and divorce attorney. He then held police off in a three-hour standoff and was shot by law enforcement, dying later of his injuries.
A 45-year-old gunman fatally shot four individuals in a shooting spree across three locations.
Firearms were used in 86% of attacks (n = 43)
Firearms were used in most attacks (n = 43, 86%).
Sample (n = 43 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Firearms were used in most attacks (n = 43, 86%)
Handguns were used in 33 attacks
The firearm use included handguns in 33 attacks.
This included the use of handguns (n = 33)
Long guns were used in 10 attacks
The firearm use included long guns in 10 attacks.
and long guns (n = 10)
Over three-quarters of attacks (76%) involved one weapon
Over three-quarters of attacks (n = 38, 76%) involved the use of one weapon.
Sample (n = 38 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Over three-quarters of attacks (n = 38, 76%) involved the use of one weapon
Nearly one quarter of attacks (24%) involved two weapons
Nearly one quarter of attacks (n = 12, 24%) involved the use of two weapons.
Sample (n = 12 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
nearly one quarter of attacks (n = 12, 24%) involved the use of two weapons
Some attackers brought additional weapons that went unused
Some attackers brought additional weapons that were unused during their attack.
Some attackers brought additional weapons that were unused during their attack.
Bladed weapons were used in 7 attacks (14%)
Bladed weapons were used in 7 attacks (14%).
Sample (n = 7 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Bladed Weapon | 7 | 14%
Other weapon types were used in 4 attacks (8%)
Other weapon types were used in 4 attacks (8%).
Sample (n = 4 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Other | 4 | 8%
4 attackers used two types of weapons
Weapon-type totals exceed 50 because 4 attackers used two types of weapons to inflict harm.
Total number exceeds 50 as 4 attackers used two types of weapons to inflict harm.
Divorce-dispute shooter: fled police and fired from apartment at responding officers
After fleeing police, the attacker positioned a rifle at his apartment window and fired at responding officers, killing one.
Afterward, the attacker fled from police, drove to his apartment, positioned a rifle at his window, and fired at responding law enforcement, killing one officer.
Divorce-dispute shooter: three-hour standoff with demands to reform divorce asset division
A three-hour standoff followed, during which the attacker repeatedly called dispatch demanding reform in how assets are divided during divorce.
A three-hour long standoff ensued, and the attacker called dispatch multiple times, demanding reform in how assets are divided during divorce.
Many different types of workplaces were impacted by the mass attacks
Many different types of workplaces were impacted by these incidents of mass violence, as shown in Table 1.
Many different types of workplaces were impacted by these incidents of mass violence, as illustrated in Table 1.
Table 1: Retail/Services locations impacted in 14 attacks (28%)
Table 1 reports that retail and services locations were impacted in 14 attacks (28%).
Sample (n = 14 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Retail/Services | 14 | 28%
Table 1: Open Spaces impacted in 4 attacks (8%)
Table 1 reports that open spaces were impacted in 4 attacks (8%).
Sample (n = 4 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Open Spaces | 4 | 8%
Table 1: Residential Community locations impacted in 2 attacks (4%)
Table 1 reports that residential community locations were impacted in 2 attacks (4%).
Sample (n = 2 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Residential Community | 2 | 4%
Table 1: Non-profit Services locations impacted in 2 attacks (4%)
Table 1 reports that non-profit services locations were impacted in 2 attacks (4%).
Sample (n = 2 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Non-profit Services | 2 | 4%
Table 1: Government locations impacted in 2 attacks (4%)
Table 1 reports that government locations were impacted in 2 attacks (4%).
Sample (n = 2 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Government | 2 | 4%
Table 1: Education locations impacted in 1 attack (2%)
Table 1 reports that an education location was impacted in 1 attack (2%).
Sample (n = 1 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Education | 1 | 2%
Table 1: Military locations impacted in 1 attack (2%)
Table 1 reports that a military location was impacted in 1 attack (2%).
Sample (n = 1 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Military | 1 | 2%
Table 2: Firearms used in 43 attacks (86%)
Table 2 reports that a firearm was used in 43 attacks (86%).
Sample (n = 43 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Firearm | 43 | 86%
Divorce-dispute shooter went to his wife's workplace to demand she sign divorce papers
The incident began when the attacker drove to his wife's workplace to demand that she sign divorce papers.
The incident started when the attacker drove to his wife's workplace to demand she sign divorce papers.
Divorce-dispute shooter retrieved a handgun from his car after his wife refused; she escaped
When his wife refused, the attacker retrieved a handgun from his car while she escaped.
When she refused, the attacker retrieved a handgun from his car while his wife escaped.
Divorce-dispute shooter returned and killed two of his wife's coworkers
Moments later, the attacker returned and opened fire, killing two of his wife's coworkers.
Moments later, the attacker returned and opened fire, killing two of the wife's coworkers.
Divorce-dispute shooter then drove to a law firm and killed his wife's divorce attorney
The attacker then drove to a law firm and fatally shot his wife's divorce attorney.
The attacker then drove to a law firm and fatally shot his wife's divorce attorney.
Divorce-dispute shooter was shot by law enforcement and later died of his injuries
The attacker was ultimately shot by law enforcement and later died of his injuries.
The attacker was ultimately shot by law enforcement and later died of his injuries.
16 attackers were actively employed at the location they targeted
Sixteen attackers were actively employed by the location they targeted at the time of their attack.
Sixteen attackers were actively employed by the location they targeted at the time of their attack
13 of the 16 employed attackers struck during or just after a shift
Most of these attackers (n = 13) initiated their attack during or immediately after a work shift.
most of these attackers (n = 13) initiated their attack during or immediately after a work shift
Four employed attackers concealed weapons on their person
Four of these attackers concealed their weapons on their person before the attack.
Of these attackers, four concealed their weapon(s) on their person prior to their attack, while five attackers kept their weapon in a vehicle
Five kept weapons in a vehicle on the work premises
Five attackers kept their weapon in a vehicle on the work premises and later retrieved it for the attack.
five attackers kept their weapon in a vehicle on the work premises and later retrieved the weapon
Two employees left mid-shift to fetch weapons from home
Two attackers left the work premises during their shift to go home and retrieve weapons, then returned to attack.
two attackers left the work premises during their shift to go home and retrieve weapons
One attacker was an on-duty military member armed with service weapons
One attacker was a U.S. military service member on watch duty and was armed with service weapons during his attack.
One attacker was a U.S. military service member on watch duty and was armed with service weapons
All 7 bladed-weapon attacks were by customers, clients, patients, or visitors
All attacks using bladed weapons (n = 7) were perpetrated by customers, clients, patients, or visitors of the targeted location.
All attacks using bladed weapons (n = 7) were perpetrated by customers, clients, patients, or visitors of the targeted location.
Two bladed-weapon attacks at homeless shelters were by residents
Two attacks using bladed weapons were perpetrated at homeless shelters by residents.
Two attacks using bladed weapons were perpetrated at homeless shelters by residents.
Two bladed-weapon attacks targeted staff and patients at mental health facilities
An additional two attacks using bladed weapons targeted staff and patients at mental health facilities.
An additional two attacks using bladed weapons targeted staff and patients at mental health facilities
Knife attack at mental health center after treatment denial
A 39-year-old man stabbed a counselor and other employees at a mental health center after the center had determined that morning he was not appropriate for its treatment program. He was subdued by a client until police arrived.
A 39-year-old man entered a mental health treatment center.
Other bladed-weapon attacks hit a property office, apartment space, and strip club
Other attacks using bladed weapons targeted a property management office, the outdoor community space of an apartment complex, and a strip club.
Other attacks using bladed weapons targeted a property management office, the outdoor community space of an apartment complex, and a strip club.
Less common weapons: vehicle, propane tank, gasoline, homemade explosive
Other types of weapons were less common (n = 4), including a vehicle, propane tank, gasoline, and a homemade explosive device.
Other types of weapons were less common (n = 4), including a vehicle, propane tank, gasoline, and a homemade explosive device.
Table 3: how the 50 attacks were resolved
Table 3 illustrates how the attacks were resolved, broken down by whether attackers stopped on their own, law enforcement intervened, bystanders intervened, or the attack was otherwise ended.
Table 3 illustrates how attacks were resolved.
Attackers stopped on their own in 76% of attacks (n = 38)
In over three-quarters of attacks (n = 38, 76%), attackers stopped causing harm on their own.
Sample (n = 38 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
In over three-quarters of attacks (n = 38, 76%), attackers stopped causing harm on their own
15 attackers who stopped were arrested at or away from the scene
Of the attackers who stopped on their own, 15 were then arrested at or away from the scene.
then were arrested at or away from the scene of the attack (n = 15)
23 attackers who stopped on their own died by suicide
Of the attackers who stopped on their own, 23 died by suicide.
or they died by suicide (n = 23)
Law enforcement intervention stopped 9 attackers
Less frequently, attackers were stopped by law enforcement intervention (n = 9).
Less frequently, attackers were stopped by law enforcement intervention (n = 9)
Bystanders stopped 2 attackers
Bystanders intervened and stopped the attacker in 2 attacks (n = 2).
bystanders intervened and stopped the attacker (n = 2)
One attack ended when the weapon ran out of ammunition
One attack ended after the attacker's weapon ran out of ammunition.
One attack ended after the attacker's weapon ran out of ammunition.
Attackers died during or shortly after 60% of attacks (n = 30)
Attackers died during or shortly after most attacks (n = 30, 60%), either by suicide or by being killed by law enforcement.
Sample (n = 30 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Attackers died during or shortly after most attacks (n = 30, 60%)
Workplace attacks ended in attacker suicide more often (46%) than non-workplace attacks (16%)
Workplace attacks ended with the attacker's suicide at a higher rate (46%) than the non-workplace mass violence incidents (16%) examined in NTAC's 2023 study Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016–2020.
Sample (n = 23 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
attacks ended with the attacker's suicide at higher rates (46%) than in non-workplace related mass violence incidents (16%)
Prior NTAC study: Mass Attacks in Public Spaces 2016-2020
The report compares the workplace attackers' suicide rate against the non-workplace incidents in Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016-2020, a prior NTAC study published in 2023.
Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016 - 2020 (2023)
Knife attack at mental health center: stabbed counselor, then other employees
The attacker drew a concealed knife in a room with a female counselor, stabbed her repeatedly, then slashed and stabbed other employees.
When placed in a room with a female counselor, the man drew a knife concealed under his waistband and began to stab her repeatedly before exiting the room and slashing and stabbing numerous other employees.
Mental health center attacker yelled and demanded the employee from his last visit
On arriving at the mental health treatment center, the attacker began to yell and insisted on seeing the employee he had seen on his last visit.
Upon arrival, he began to yell, and insisted that he see the employee he saw on his last visit.
Mental health center attacker was chased and subdued by a client until police arrived
The attacker was chased and subdued by one of the center's clients until law enforcement arrived and arrested him.
The attacker was ultimately chased and subdued by one of the center's clients until law enforcement arrived and arrested the attacker.
Center had found the attacker unsuitable for treatment that morning due to violence history
Earlier that morning the center had determined the attacker was not appropriate for its treatment program because of his long history of violence and the severity of his mental health needs.
Earlier that morning, the center had determined that the attacker was not appropriate for their treatment program due to his long history of violence and the severity of his mental health needs.
Table 3: 15 (30%) attackers stopped on their own, then were arrested at/away from scene
Table 3 reports that 15 attackers (30%) stopped on their own and were then arrested at or away from the scene.
Sample (n = 15 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
— Arrested at/away from scene | 15 | 30%
Table 3: 23 (46%) attackers stopped on their own, then died by suicide
Table 3 reports that 23 attackers (46%) stopped on their own and then died by suicide.
Sample (n = 23 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
— Died by suicide | 23 | 46%
Table 3: law enforcement intervened to end 9 attacks (18%)
Table 3 reports that law enforcement intervened to end 9 of the attacks (18%).
Sample (n = 9 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Law enforcement intervened, then... | 9 | 18%
Table 3: after law enforcement intervened, 2 attackers (4%) were arrested
Table 3 reports that in 2 attacks (4%) law enforcement intervened and the attacker was then arrested at or away from the scene.
Sample (n = 2 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
— Arrested at/away from scene | 2 | 4%
Table 3: law enforcement killed 7 attackers (14%)
Table 3 reports that in 7 attacks (14%) law enforcement intervened and the attacker was killed by law enforcement.
Sample (n = 7 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
— Killed by law enforcement | 7 | 14%
Table 3: bystanders intervened to end 2 attacks (4%)
Table 3 reports that bystanders intervened to end 2 of the attacks (4%).
Sample (n = 2 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Bystanders intervened, then... | 2 | 4%
Table 3: after bystander intervention, 1 attacker (2%) was arrested and 1 (2%) ended otherwise
Of the 2 bystander-ended attacks in Table 3, 1 (2%) ended with the attacker arrested at or away from the scene and 1 (2%) is listed as Other.
Sample (n = 1 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
— Other | 1 | 2%
Table 3: 1 attack (2%) ended when the weapon was rendered inoperable; attacker arrested (2%)
Table 3 reports 1 attack (2%) ended because the weapon was rendered inoperable, after which the attacker was arrested at or away from the scene (1, 2%).
Sample (n = 1 of 50) · incidents (attacks) in the study
Weapon rendered inoperable, then... | 1 | 2%
Mental health facility stabbers: one released a month earlier, one denied treatment hours earlier
One bladed-weapon attack at a mental health facility was perpetrated by a patient released one month earlier; another by an individual denied entry into a treatment program hours earlier.
including one attack perpetrated by a patient who had been released one month earlier and another who had been denied entry into a treatment program hours earlier
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