FBI Report Shows California Recorded Highest Number of Active Shooter Incidents From 2020–2024

Federal data indicates California led the nation in active shooter incidents over a five-year period, continuing a pattern seen in earlier annual reports.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

California recorded more active shooter incidents than any other state between 2020 and 2024, according to figures published in the FBI’s Active Shooter Report.

The federal data shows California experienced 25 active shooter incidents during the five-year span, placing it first nationally. The findings are consistent with earlier FBI reports identifying California as the leading state for active shooter incidents in both 2021 and 2023.

Active Shooter Incidents 2024 by yourNEWS Media

Breitbart News pointed to those prior annual FBI reports, highlighting that California ranked number one in the nation for active shooter incidents during years in which it also maintained the most extensive gun control framework in the country.

California’s firearm laws include an “assault weapons” ban, a prohibition on so-called high-capacity magazines, universal background checks, red flag laws, a bump stock ban, extensive regulations on privately manufactured firearms commonly referred to as “ghost guns,” a mandatory 10-day waiting period on gun purchases, firearm registration requirements, concealed carry permit mandates, limits on the number of firearms a law-abiding citizen may purchase each month, a ban on college campus carry for self-defense, a prohibition on K–12 teachers being armed for classroom defense, gun storage requirements, and ammunition controls, among other regulations.

Gun control advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety noted that “California has the strongest gun laws in the country.” The organization also reported that an average of 3,333 people die from firearm-related causes in the state each year.

The FBI’s Active Shooter Report defines an active shooter incident as one or more individuals actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in populated areas. The data is used by federal, state, and local authorities to assess trends and inform law enforcement preparedness and response strategies nationwide.