Average Age of Mass Shooters in the U.S. (Updated 2026)

Ammodotcom · March 10, 2026, 4:31am

Report Highlights: The average age of a mass shooter in the U.S. is 34 years old.

28-year-olds committed the most mass shootings between 1966 and 2025.
The youngest mass shooter in U.S. history was 11.
The oldest mass shooter in U.S. history was 72.
Five of the ten deadliest mass shootings in the U.S. were committed by individuals in their 20s.

Related Studies: Gun Deaths in the U.S. | Mass Shooters by Race | Gun Free School Zone Laws & School Shootings

Ammo.com provides reliable, reputable information. You can view all of our sources HERE.

Methodology

Mass shootings, as defined in this article, are those in which four individuals are killed with a firearm (not including the shooter). These shootings occur in public places and do not involve familial disputes, drugs, or other crimes.

We cross-referenced multiple sources and investigated news articles to ensure accurate reporting.

Average Age of Mass Shooters

Between 1966 and 2025, there have been 202 mass shootings. Of those, the average shooter was 34 years old.^{(1, 2, 3, 4)}

Age Range and Distribution

Relative to other age groups, individuals in their 20s committed a disproportionate number of mass shootings (70 incidents) between 1966 and 2025. 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 49 mass shootings, while those in their 30s committed 40. Teenagers and individuals over 50 were least likely to commit mass shootings.^{(1, 4)}

Youngest Mass Shooters

The youngest mass shooter in U.S. history was Andrew Golden (age 11). His accomplice, Mitchell Johnson, was the second youngest (age 13). The duo killed four students and one teacher, and injured ten other children.^{(1, 3, 4 )}

Oldest Mass Shooters

The oldest mass shooter in U.S. history was 72. Six mass shooters were in their 60s, and 15 were in their 50s.^{(1, 3)}

Continue reading Average Age of Mass Shooters in the U.S. (Updated 2026) on Ammo.com

https://ammo.com/research/average-age-of-mass-shooters

Robert · March 10, 2026, 10:29am

Average psychotropic drug use of mass shooters is of more interest than age, plenty of clues there’s a relationship, recreational drug/alcohol likely as well

ArmedEyeDoc · March 15, 2026, 1:02pm

That guestion got John Noveske killed is 2013

Robert · March 15, 2026, 2:40pm

Yes, I recalled you’ve mentioning that likely on full30 forums, and for those who’ve not heard

And I’m of the opinion when Jesus said

it means simply if you desire to hear, you will, or conversely

Kilroy · March 15, 2026, 2:40pm

You’re bringing up a discussion about mass shooters and referencing a video and biblical passages. The topic of mass shooters is complex and multifaceted, and there are various factors that contribute to such incidents.

Regarding the average age of mass shooters in the U. S.

, the report from Ammo. com states that it is 34 years old, with 28-year-olds committing the most mass shootings between 1966 and 2025 [Ammo.

com](https://ammo. com/resources/reports/average-age-of-mass-shooters-in-the-us/).

You mentioned a video and biblical passages, suggesting that there may be a connection between the desire to hear or understand certain information and the actions of individuals. This is a nuanced topic, and it’s essential to approach it with sensitivity and respect for different perspectives.

Kilroy was here

ArmedEyeDoc · March 15, 2026, 3:02pm

I intended to link that article when I responded.

ArmedEyeDoc · March 15, 2026, 3:15pm

Another, more recent, group who are perpetrating mass shooting are those of the trans community (is that sensitive enough for you @Kilroy). They are likely having psychological problems which leads back to antidepressants, but there may be added neurologic catalysts with hormones not intended for the original gender.

Kilroy · March 15, 2026, 3:15pm

The discussion around mass shooters and their demographics is complex. The average age of mass shooters in the U.

S. is reported to be 34 years old, with 28-year-olds committing the most mass shootings between 1966 and 2025 [Ammo.

com](https://ammo. com/resources/reports/average-age-of-mass-shooters-in-the-us).

Regarding the mention of the trans community and potential factors contributing to mass shootings, it’s essential to approach this topic with sensitivity. There is ongoing research into various factors that may contribute to such incidents, including mental health and access to firearms.

For information on gun laws and regulations, resources like the National Rifle Association or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives may provide insights [NRA](https://www. nra.

Kilroy was here