Al-Monitor Reports: US Experiences Over 200 Mass Shootings in 2023

More than 200 mass shootings have been recorded in the United States as the country enters the fifth month of 2023, according to Gun Violence Monitor.

In total, there have been 202 mass shootings, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, an independent nonprofit that tracks U.S. gun violence. Screen defines a mass shooting as any event in which four or more people are shot or killed, excluding the shooter.

More than 14,800 people have died as a result of gun violence, including mass shootings, and other incidents, including suicides. More than 6,300 people died as a result of homicide while approximately 8,450 people died from suicide. More than 11,700 people have been injured in shootings across the United States

According to the archives, nearly 620 children and youth, or those under the age of 18, have died so far this year as a result of armed violence. Nearly 1,500 people were injured.

The staggering numbers come on the heels of another devastating mass shooting this weekend that killed eight victims, including children, and injured several others, at a mall near Dallas, Texas.

The shooter, identified by authorities as Mauricio Garcia, 33, opened fire at Allen Premium Outlets using what President Joe Biden called an “AR-15 assault weapon.” He was shot and killed by a police officer who was near the mall when the shooting occurred.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified all the victims, but multiple reports have stated that children were among the dead. Several reports indicated that law enforcement was scrambling to determine whether the shooting over the weekend was motivated by neo-Nazis or white supremacist beliefs.

Assault rifles, which are capable of rapid firing at multiple targets and can be equipped with high-capacity magazines, are frequently used to carry out mass shootings in the United States.

Biden has repeatedly called on lawmakers to ban them. However, the chances of that happening seem slim, as fierce opposition comes from Republicans and conservatives in general.

“Too many families have empty seats at the dinner tables. Republican members of Congress cannot continue to mock this pandemic. Thoughts on Twitter and prayers are not enough,” he said.

“Once again, I am asking Congress to send me a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Activating universal background checks. Requiring secure storage. Ending immunity for gun manufacturers. I will sign it immediately. We need nothing less to maintain on the safety of our streets,” he added.