Report Highlights: The average age of a mass shooter in the U.S. is 34 years old.
- 20-year-olds have committed more mass shootings than any other age group.
- 28-year-olds committed ten mass shootings between 1966 and 2024.
- The youngest mass shooter in U.S. history was 11.
- The oldest mass shooter in U.S. history was 72.
- Seven of the ten deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. were committed by individuals in their 20s.
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Methodology
Mass shootings, as defined in this article, are those where four individuals were killed with a firearm (not including the shooter). These shootings occurred in public places and did not involve other crimes, drugs, or familial disputes.
We cross-referenced multiple sources and investigated news articles to ensure accurate reporting.
Average Age of Mass Shooters
Between 1966 and 2024, there have been 200 mass shootings. Of those, the average shooter was 34 years old. 1,2,3
Age Range and Distribution
Individuals in their 20s lead the charge in mass shootings (69 incidents) between 1966 and 2024. Among them, 28-year-olds committed more mass shootings than individuals of any other age (10), followed by 21 and 25-year-olds (9).
Those in their 40s committed 47 mass shootings, while those in their 30s committed 40. Teenagers and individuals over 50 were least likely to commit mass shootings. 1, 3
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