Headline RoundupFebruary 19th, 2023

What Makes A Mass Shooting?

Summary from the AllSides News Team

Many media outlets are reporting that there have been more mass shootings than days so far in 2023, but according to whom?

Differing Definitions: In 2013, the FBI defined mass shootings as those in which four or more victims are killed. Some groups and media sources count them differently, by including people who were injured in addition to those killed.

The Gun Violence Archive: Many center- and left-rated media outlets adhere to statistics from the Gun Violence Archive, an American research group. The GVA defines a mass shooting as “based ONLY on the numeric value of 4 or more shot or killed, not including the shooter.” The GVA reports there have been 73 mass shootings in America since the beginning of 2023.

Mainstream Coverage: Many left- and center-rated sources reported the GVA statistic as fact, and framed it as a dire sign for the state of gun laws and public safety.

An Alternate View: Wilfred Reilly of National Review questioned that definition, and pointed out that by the FBI standard, there have only been three mass shootings in the U.S. this year - MSUHalf Moon Bay, and Monterey Park. Reilly also argued that better enforcement of laws and "improved care of the mentally ill" will help reduce shootings.

 

 

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