School shootings in US remain at record highs, CNN report shows

School shootings in the United States have remained at record-high levels in recent years, with 70 incidents reported as of November 2025, according to a CNN analysis drawing on multiple national gun-violence databases.

Using data from the Gun Violence Archive, Education Week, and Everytown for Gun Safety, CNN found that 41 of this year's incidents occurred on college campuses, while 29 took place on Kindergarten-to-12th-grade school grounds.

Each case involved at least one person being shot, excluding the shooter.

The report noted that school-based gun violence fell sharply during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, when campuses across the country were closed.

However, the numbers surged after schools reopened, with 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 each setting new records since national tracking began in 2008.

Last year alone saw at least 83 such incidents, while 2022 was among the deadliest, claiming 47 lives.

CNN's review also recalled the devastating 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two adults were killed.

As of the 329th day of 2025, school shootings have continued at a troubling pace. The analysis further shows that several US states — particularly in the South — have recorded the highest rates relative to their populations.

Washington, DC, posted the highest per-capita rate of school shootings, while Texas reported the largest total number, with 65 incidents since 2008.

In contrast, Montana, Wyoming, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island recorded no school shootings during this period.

CNN also noted rising activism among students and educators demanding stronger protections, with some teachers reportedly leaving the profession due to safety concerns.