One in 15 U.S. adults have been on the scene of a mass shooting, report finds
One out of every 15 adults in the U.S. have been present at the scene of a mass shooting, researchers have revealed.
More alarming is that over 2 percent of that group — or over five million of the 258 million adults counted in the U.S. Census Bureau in 2020 — have been injured during one.
'These are really high numbers for this seemingly unique and small subset of gun violence,' David Pyrooz, a professor of sociology and criminologist at University of Colorado at Boulder, said in a statement.
The authors also found that younger generations of Americans were significantly more likely to have been exposed than previous generations were. Gen Zers, who were born after 1996 and are in their late to mid-twenties, were at greatest risk. More than half of respondents said the incident had occurred in the last decade, which Pyrooz said led 'credence to the idea of a 'mass shooting generation.''
According to the National Gun Violence Archive, there were 505 mass shootings in the U.S. in 2024. That figure is down from 2023 when there were 659. Both figures are up significantly from 2014 - the first year the archive kept tally - when there 272 mass shootings.
The study - which was published in the journal JAMA Network Open and revealed Friday - surveyed 10,000 adults in January of last year, asking them if they had ever been 'physically present on the scene of a mass shooting.'
While there is no single, agreed-upon definition of the term 'mass shooting,' this study defined it as a gun-related crime where four or more people had been shot in a public space - similar to the one used by the Gun Violence Archive database.
Being physically present was defined as 'in the immediate vicinity of where the shooting occurred at the time it occurred, such that bullets were fired in your direction, you could see the shooter, or you could hear the gunfire.'
While some respondents who said they were injured had been shot, they were also hit by shrapnel or trampled in the panic that followed.
How many people die in mass shootings every year depends on the definition used. With the Gun Violence Archive's definition, and that used by study authors, 722 people died in these incidents in 2023.
There were nearly 47,000 gun deaths that year: the third-highest total on record, although it was down for the second consecutive year. In 2020, gun violence had surpassed car crashes as the No. 1 killer of children in the U.S.
Pyrooz said he was not surprised by the results of his survey, noting that the 2017 Las Vegas shooting had impacted hundreds more people than the 61 killed or 867 injured.
'That translates to about one out of every 11,000 Americans who were on the scene of that shooting alone,' said Pyrooz. 'Continue that to other events that have occurred around the country and the numbers, unfortunately, add up.'
The shootings weren't just at large events. They were in bars, restaurants, schools, shopping outlets and synagogues.
Black people and men were more likely to have witnessed a mass shooting, researchers found.
'This study confirms that mass shootings are not isolated tragedies, but rather a reality that reaches a substantial portion of the population, with profound physical and psychological consequences,' Pyrooz added. 'They also highlight the need for interventions and support for the most affected groups.'
'It's not a question of if one will occur in your community anymore, but when,' he said. 'We need to have stronger systems in place to care for people in the aftermath of this tragic violence.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
5 Common Causes of Impotence
Key takeaways The risk of impotence increases with age and is higher in males who have been diagnosed with heart conditions. Other causes include endocrine diseases like diabetes, neurological disorders, certain medications, and lifestyle or emotional factors like depression and anxiety. What is impotence? Impotence occurs when you're unable to achieve an erection, maintain an erection, or ejaculate on a consistent basis. It's used interchangeably with ED. Several factors can contribute to the condition, including both emotional and physical disorders. According to the Urology Care Foundation, an estimated 30 million Americans experience ED. A 2007 study published in the American Journal of Medicine noted the risk of impotence increases with age. Research suggests it's even higher in men who have also been diagnosed with one or more cardiovascular risk factors. Impotence can often have a negative effect on your sex life, and it can also cause depression, additional stress, and low self-esteem. Impotence and erectile dysfunction symptoms A common misconception about erectile dysfunction is that you cannot achieve an erection at all. This is not always the case. Erectile dysfunction can also include symptoms like: being unable to achieve an erection inconsistently being able to achieve an erection each time you have a sexual encounter not being able to maintain an erection for the entire sexual encounter Impotence can begin to affect your quality of life and relationships with your sexual partners over time. However, there are several treatment options available for many of the root causes of ED. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consider talking with your doctor about what might be causing your ED and what treatment options might be best for you. What causes impotence? Understanding the most frequently diagnosed potential causes can help you identify why you may be experiencing the condition. Here are five common causes of impotence: 1. Endocrine diseases The body's endocrine system produces hormones that regulate metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood, and much more. One of the complications associated with chronic diabetes is nerve damage. This affects penis sensations. Other complications associated with diabetes include impaired blood flow and hormone levels. Both of these factors can contribute to impotence. 2. Neurological and nerve disorders Several neurologic conditions can increase the risk for impotence. Nerve conditions affect the brain's ability to communicate with the reproductive system. This can prevent you from achieving an erection. Neurological disorders associated with impotence include: Alzheimer's disease Parkinson's disease brain or spinal tumors multiple sclerosis (MS) stroke temporal lobe epilepsy If you've had prostate surgery, you can also experience nerve damage, resulting in impotence. Long-distance bicycle riders can experience temporary impotence. Repeated pressure on the buttocks and genitals can affect nerve function. 3. Taking medications Taking certain medications can affect blood flow, which can lead to ED. You should never stop taking a medication without your doctor's permission, even if it's known to cause impotence. Examples of medications known to cause impotence include: alpha-adrenergic blockers, including tamsulosin (Flomax) antihistamines, such as cimetidine (Tagamet) beta-blockers, such as carvedilol (Coreg) and metoprolol (Lopressor) chemotherapy medications central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and codeine CNS stimulants, such as cocaine and amphetamines diuretics, such as furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil) synthetic hormones, including leuprolide (Eligard) 4. Cardiac-related conditions Conditions that affect the heart and its ability to pump blood well can cause impotence. Without enough blood flow to the penis, you cannot achieve an erection. Atherosclerosis, a condition that causes blood vessels to become clogged, can cause impotence. High cholesterol and high blood pressure (hypertension) are also associated with an increased risk for impotence. 5. Lifestyle factors and emotional disorders To achieve an erection, you must first go through what's known as an excitement phase. This phase can be an emotional response. If you have an emotional disorder, it can affect your ability to become sexually excited. Depression and anxiety are associated with an increased risk for impotence. Depression is a feeling of sadness, loss of hope, or helplessness. Fatigue-related to depression can also cause impotence. Performance anxiety can also cause impotence. If you haven't been able to achieve an erection in the past, you may fear you won't be able to achieve an erection in the future. You may find that you cannot achieve an erection with a certain partner. If you've been diagnosed with ED related to performance anxiety, you may be able to have full erections when masturbating or when sleeping, but unable to maintain an erection during intercourse. Substance use disorder involving drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also cause impotence. Alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD) can affect your ability to achieve or maintain an erection as well. See your doctor if you suspect that you may have a substance use problem. Erectile dysfunction treatment Treatments are available for impotence, including medical interventions, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. Medical interventions There are a variety of medical interventions that can be used to treat impotence. Prescription treatments for impotence include: alprostadil (Caverject, Edex, MUSE), which is available as an injection or as a suppository avanafil (Stendra) sildenafil (Viagra) tadalafil (Cialis) vardenafil (Staxyn, Levitra) testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) You may also want to consider vascular surgery (to improve blood flow in the penis) or penile implant surgery. Find Roman ED medication online. Natural remedies If you want to avoid prescription medication, there are a variety of natural remedies known to help treat impotence. It's important to note that the efficacy of these alternative remedies is not always tested or verified by the FDA so you may not see the advertised results of these products. Before you use any natural remedies, make sure you consult your doctor first. Some alternative remedies for impotence include: Penis pumps Penis pumps are another option if you're looking for noninvasive, nondrug treatments. They may be most effective if you have moderate ED. Lifestyle changes Whether your impotence has a physical or an emotional cause, there are many cases where lifestyle changes can reduce problems with ED. According to an article in the Journal of Restorative Medicine, examples of these lifestyle and behavioral changes include: quitting smoking if you smoke drinking alcohol in moderation practicing supportive communication in a romantic relationship exercising eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet reducing anxiety You may also want to consider meeting with a mental health professional if you feel your ED is due to psychological causes. How to increase blood flow to the penis naturally Naturally increasing blood flow to the penis often requires a combination of lifestyle changes. Here are a few changes that you can consider trying: If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking can affect your blood flow and worsen erectile dysfunction. Engage in regular physical activity. Exercise can help improve blood flow in your entire body and aid in maintaining a moderate weight, which also may reduce erectile dysfunction. Try to choose heart-healthy foods. These include low sodium and low fat foods. Consider seeing a physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy. It's important to start these exercises under the advice of a therapist as appropriately performed exercises can help erectile dysfunction, but inappropriately performed exercises can be problematic. However, it's important to remember that some causes of decreased blood flow require medical treatments. If you try techniques at home to increase blood flow to your penis yet still experience erectile dysfunction, it's worthwhile to seek out medical attention. When to see a doctor While erectile dysfunction is commonly tied to aging, it is not an inevitable part of the aging process. Many people have been able to treat the condition, regardless of their age. If you experience problems achieving or maintaining an erection, consider talking with a doctor. Both primary care professionals and urologists can help you create a treatment plan for erectile dysfunction. However, if your condition is related to an underlying medical condition, they may refer you to a specialist. It's completely understandable if you feel self-conscious about speaking with a doctor about erectile dysfunction. However, it's important to keep in mind that sexual health is an important part of your overall health and how you feel about yourself. It's important that you are able to talk with healthcare professionals openly and honestly about your symptoms and to get help for any underlying medical conditions. Frequently asked questions about the causes of impotence How long can the average person with a penis stay erect? There is not a specific answer for how long the average person with a penis can stay erect. What matters is if you are unable to maintain an erection for a long enough time to have satisfying sexual intercourse. There is also an alternative where the penis stays erect for too long, a condition known as priapism. If your erection exceeds 4 hours, you should seek emergency medical attention. What causes erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction can be caused by impaired blood flow, problems with the nerves in and around the penis, or nervous system changes that may affect sexual desire. Sometimes, erectile dysfunction can occur as a side effect of taking some medications, including: antidepressants anxiolytics muscle relaxants diuretics antihypertensives What is the main cause of impotence? For older people experiencing impotence, an estimated 70 to 80 percent of cases are related to a physical issue that affects blood flow to the penis. In some instances, erectile dysfunction can be one of the earliest signs of blood flow problems in the body. Because erectile dysfunction can potentially signal underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, it's important to talk with your doctor if you experience ED or impotence for several weeks. Can impotence be cured? If the underlying cause of impotence is treatable, impotence can be cured. Treatment can include: taking medications to improve blood flow participating in talk therapy changing medications that may contribute to impotence Medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) can also help to improve erectile dysfunction symptoms. However, it should be kept in mind that not all causes will have cures, and it may take time for a doctor to properly diagnose your specific issue. Takeaway Impotence can change your life and affect your self-esteem. Though ED can have a negative effect on your sex life, it's ultimately a treatable condition. Many interventions exist that can help you regain your sexual function, including natural remedies, medications, and lifestyle changes. Because impotence can signal an underlying health problem, it's important to make an appointment with a doctor if it becomes a consistent problem, even if you think it's just stress.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Former MuchMusic VJ Juliette Powell, 54, died 'unexpectedly': What to know about bacterial meningitis
Juliette Powell, a former MuchMusic VJ and author, has died. The 54-year-old, who appeared on Canadian television in the '90s as a host of Electric Circus and French Kiss died on June 3 after a brief illness. According to her obituary, Powell, who was born in the U.S. but raised in Montréal, "succumbed unexpectedly" due to acute bacterial meningitis. "Juliette had a magical way of drawing people in with her infectious enthusiasm, and her brilliant intelligence and gorgeous smile lit up every room she ever entered," reads her obituary. "Her loss is devastating and she will be deeply, painfully missed by so many." This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. In 1989, Powell became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Canada. She joined MusiquePlus as a VJ in 1992 before going on to join MuchMusic in 1996. Eventually, she transitioned out of music and became a business reporter for CablePulse24. Following her career in television, she authored several books including The AI Dilemma: 7 Principles for Responsible Technology in 2023. So, what is bacterial meningitis and what are the signs and symptoms? Read on to learn everything you need to know about the condition. Meningitis is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection, bacteria or sometimes fungi. According to Meningitis Foundation Canada, untreated bacterial meningitis is a "medical emergency" and can be "fatal in a few hours." Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss and learning disabilities. The condition usually spreads through close contact to bacteria or virus, such as cold or flu germs. As such, sneezing, coughing, kissing and close physical contact can cause the germs to spread. Because it is difficult to stop the transmission of bacteria, prevention is essential. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a medical professional after analyzing a sample of spinal fluid from the patient. This condition can often be mistaken for another life-threatening illness, sepsis, which is the body's extreme response to infection. Sepsis happens when an infection triggers a chain reaction throughout your body. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. That the timing of bacterial meningitis symptoms can vary widely. Some people can get sick within a few hours of contracting the condition, while it may take others one to three days to show symptoms. Typically, early symptoms, occurring within the first six hours, include fever, headache, irritability, nausea and vomiting. Later symptoms occurring within six to 12 hours involve fever, muscle aches, leg pain and pale skin. After 12 hours, symptoms usually include cold hands and feet, stiff neck or neck pain, rash, confusion or delirium and decreasing responsiveness. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Certain risk factors can increase a person's risk for getting bacterial meningitis. The risk factors include: Age: Babies or young children are more likely to contract bacterial meningitis due to their weakened immune systems. That said, people of any age can develop the condition. Group settings: Meningitis tends to spread where large groups of people gather or live in close quarters, such as college dorms or music festivals. Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, medications or surgical procedures put people at increased risk for contracting bacterial meningitis. For example, having an HIV infection or not having a spleen can increase a person's risk for the condition. There are many ways to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Firstly, different vaccines can help protect against certain types of bacterial meningitis. There are vaccines for four types of bacteria that can cause the condition. Additionally, maintaining good health, washing your hands often, staying home when you're sick and having a strong immune system can protect us from most causes. Oftentimes we carry meningitis germs with no ill effects. However, if your immune system is compromised due to cancer treatments, HIV, organ transplants, infection or other serious health issues, speak with your doctor about how to help protect against meningitis. Lastly, seeking medical attention as soon as symptoms appear is essential. Moreover, as the condition is contagious, if you've been around someone who has it, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to keep from getting sick.
Scientific American
2 hours ago
- Scientific American
How RFK, Jr.'s Dismissal of CDC Immunization Committee Panelists Will Affect America's Vaccine Access
In a striking move on Monday, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services, announced the dismissal of all sitting public health experts of an independent vaccine committee that counsels the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Called the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, the group holds public meetings to review the latest scientific evidence on vaccine safety and effectiveness and to make clinical recommendations for people in the U.S.—guidance that greatly influences access to disease-preventing shots. In his announcement in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Kennedy— who has a long history of as an antivaccine activist —framed the firings as taking 'a bold step in restoring public trust by totally reconstituting the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices.' He also alleged there were 'persistent conflicts of interest' among committee members. Public health experts had been bracing for such a move. 'This was everybody's fear about having RFK, Jr., as our HHS secretary,' says Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University. On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. ACIP's decisions shape immunization schedules —affecting which groups will be recommended vaccines, when and how often they should get them and whether health insurance will cover costs. The panelists hold three open meetings each year to assess and vote on the clinical use of various existing and new vaccines, including ones that protect people against pneumonia, chicken pox, shingles, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), polio, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID. According to the agenda of ACIP's next meeting, slated for June 25–27, members are expected to vote on highly anticipated recommendations that would influence the next winter respiratory illness season—including guidance for COVID, flu and RSV vaccines for adults and children. In response to various questions about the plans for ACIP, an HHS spokesperson directed Scientific American to the agency's statement about the announcement and said the committee is still scheduled to meet on June 25–27. According to the statement, new committee members are currently under consideration. The secretary of health and human services gives the final approval of newly appointed ACIP members. 'I cannot imagine that they could compose a new ACIP that has been sufficiently vetted in [less than] three weeks,' Nuzzo says. 'One of the reasons why there's so much concern right now is that changing the composition of ACIP, potentially stacking it with antivaccine members, as many fear could happen, could make it harder for Americans to access vaccines that they want, that their doctors think are beneficial for them.' Scientific American spoke with Nuzzo about how the ACIP dismissal may affect vaccine policy and access and people's health. [ An edited transcript of the interview follows. ] What is the primary role of ACIP? There are a few features of the committee that make it important. One is expertise. The membership of the committee is somewhat diverse to represent a range of expert backgrounds because when you're talking about vaccines, there are pediatric issues, adult issues—a lot of different types of expertise need to be brought to bear. It's also an independent group, meaning that it's not populated by any particular political party. ACIP's members are outside experts who are appointed through a very transparent, open process, up to a fixed term. These are independent, nonpolitical actors who also have their conflicts of interests managed. Who they get money from is public knowledge. [ Editor's Note: Members withdraw themselves from deliberations and voting on any product for which they have disclosed a conflict of interest. ] How does ACIP make its decisions? During the meeting, [the members] have documents, they have people giving presentations. Sometimes those presentations are given by government scientists who have reviewed evidence, or sometimes [the members will look at] evidence from studies on vaccines. All of the meetings are open: either you could show up in public or, usually, [see a] broadcast on the web. So all of the data that are used in the discussion about vaccines and vaccine policies are made public, and they are reviewed. And not only are they reviewed, but the rationale and the interpretation of those data are public. So the public can see, interrogate, and vet the conclusions and the data that the committees use to base their conclusions. It's a very open [process], and that openness adheres to a governance structure has existed throughout multiple presidential administrations, multiple political parties presiding [over] it. It's also important to note that the CDC director does not have to accept ACIP's recommendations—the CDC director usually does, but the CDC director does not have to. My worry is not just that politics enters into ACIP; it's also just that 'Will the will of ACIP be adhered to?' How do ACIP's recommendations affect people? ACIP is one of two key advisory committees that serve the U.S. government related to vaccines [the other is the Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) ]. ACIP makes recommendations regarding vaccine policies and utilization—and those recommendations are important, not just because they represent the scientific consensus that exists at the time but also because they usually influence people's access to vaccines. One real concern is: if ACIP doesn't recommend a vaccine, insurers may decide not to cover the cost , and some of these vaccines have important out-of-pocket costs. Some of us can afford that, but a lot of us can't. And so there are real issues about who is going to be able to benefit from vaccines, and it creates a real inequity. It may also have an effect on the market and companies' willingness to incur the risks of making vaccines. Vaccines are not like making a car. There are a discovery process and research-and-development process that have to occur. If vaccine manufacturers fear that they're not going to be able to sell vaccines, that people aren't going to be able to access them, then they may simply decide not to make them. They might decide that the U.S. market is not where they want to invest their resources and may decide to instead serve other countries. So it's not just that ACIP provides advice that the American public can use to make their own vaccine decisions but also [that it] is often the basis by which [vaccine] providers and insurers make vaccines available. So it's not just about information; it's also about access. What does this action potentially mean for future vaccine policies? I'm worried about all vaccines at this point. I can't rule out that that isn't just the first warning shot. Some of the rationale around who should or should not get COVID boosters, in my view, feels like an opening to removing the availability of flu vaccines. We've seen the secretary of HHS wrongly malign MMR vaccines amid one of the worst measles outbreaks the U.S. has seen in decades. So I fear that everything's fair game.
