Most Common Murder Weapons In The US | JD Supra (2024)

While the United States has seen a decrease in murder rates in 2022, homicide still remains a grim reality, ranking as the third leading cause of death in the country, according to a CDC report. Shockingly, it is also the leading cause of death for pregnant women. It’s a sobering reminder that violent crime continues to pose a significant threat to public safety. It’s crucial to be informed about the most common murder weapons in the US, not to incite fear, but rather to empower individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. By being aware of these statistics and facts, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure society for all.

Handguns Are The Most Common Murder Weapon In The United States

Handguns are the most commonly used weapon in homicides, according to a study conducted by Reuters. The study found that of the 232 victims whose bodies were autopsied from 23 mass shootings from FBI records between 2000 and 2016, 73 were shot with handguns, while 105 were shot by rifles, 22 by shotguns, and 32 by multiple firearms.

The research team discovered that the events involving a handgun were linked to a higher percentage of fatalities, whereas events involving a rifle were linked to more people shot, but not killed. In fact, 26% of those shot with a handgun had more than one fatal wound, compared to 2% of people shot with a rifle. Handguns were also more likely to be associated with brain and heart injuries, which can lead to immediate fatalities.

The findings of this study suggest that handguns are the most lethal of all firearms when it comes to homicides. Statista reports that due to handguns, 6,012 people lost their lives in 2021. This is 2,000 deaths higher than the homicide rate for undetermined gun deaths in the United States.

Handguns can be categorized into two types:

• Revolvers - Commonly referred to as “wheel guns”, revolvers typically hold about six rounds of ammunition.
• Semi Automatics - These are handguns that come in varying sizes that can hold 7 to 10 rounds for smaller models and upwards of 15+ rounds for larger ones.

One of the reasons why handguns are so popular is their ease of concealment and accessibility within the home. Many people, especially women, prefer to use handguns because they feel more comfortable and safe with them. However, handguns are also a popular choice for criminals as well. Based on a 2016 survey of prison inmates conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, handguns were found to be the most frequently possessed type of firearm by federal and state prisoners. Approximately 18% of the inmates reported having possessed a handgun, while only 2% or less reported possessing a rifle or shotgun.

Knives & Other Cutting Instruments

Knives and other cutting instruments are among the most common murder weapons in the US for several reasons. One major factor is that knives are easily accessible and readily available, as most households have a few of them. This accessibility makes them an attractive option for those seeking to commit violence.

In fact, on average, over 1,500 people are murdered with a knife each year in the US, making it the second most common weapon used in homicides. However, unlike gun violence, little attention is focused on knife violence in the US.

Research shows that victims and offenders of knife homicides in the US are significantly different groups from those involved in firearm homicides. Victims and offenders of knife violence are more likely to be female, less likely to be minorities, and significantly older than those involved in firearm violence. In addition, the victim and offender in a knife homicide are more likely to be closely related to one another, indicating that the problem of knife violence in the US is more akin to domestic violence than a typical street crime involving firearms.

These findings suggest that knife homicides should not be approached with the same theoretical framework as firearm homicides. Instead, addressing the issue of knife violence requires a more targeted approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of this form of violence. By understanding the factors that contribute to knife violence, we can work to develop effective strategies for preventing and reducing these incidents, ultimately helping to save lives and create safer communities.

How Many People Are Killed By Assault Rifles Every Year?

Assault weapons, specifically assault rifles, are essentially semi-automatic versions of military-grade weapons intended for deadly purposes. They come equipped with features that allow for the rapid firing of sustained high-volume shots, making them capable of inflicting mass casualties in a short amount of time. The easy availability of such highly dangerous weaponry, including assault rifles and large-capacity magazines, has led to a worrisome surge in mass shootings across the nation. In fact, many of the deadliest shootings in recent American history, such as those in Las Vegas, Orlando, Sandy Hook Elementary School, Sutherland Springs, El Paso, Robb Elementary School, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Aurora, and Dayton, were perpetrated using assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. Furthermore, the use of these extremely dangerous weapons puts law enforcement officers at an increased risk of harm from armed perpetrators who possess powerful combat-grade firearms on public streets.

Despite their reputation as dangerous weapons, and their presence in mass shootings that received nationwide coverage, assault rifles are actually not frequently used in homicides. In fact, rifles were only used in 2.6% of homicides in the United States in 2019, a much lower percentage compared to the 45.7% of homicides committed using handguns. Even when considering the fact that nearly a quarter of homicides involved an unknown type of firearm, it is highly likely that handguns were the predominant weapon in those cases. It is important to note that even if a ban on assault rifles were to be implemented, it would not necessarily decrease the number of assault rifles already in circulation, which currently sits at around 20 million in the United States.

In conclusion, while homicide rates have decreased in the United States in 2022, it still remains a harsh reality and the third leading cause of death in the country. Handguns are the most commonly used weapon in homicides, leading to more fatalities due to their ease of concealment and accessibility within the home. On the other hand, knives and other cutting instruments are also common murder weapons, with over 1,500 people being murdered by a knife each year. Despite their reputation, assault rifles are not frequently used in homicides, accounting for only 2.6% of homicides in the United States in 2019. It is crucial to be informed about the most common murder weapons in the US, not to incite fear, but to empower individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. By understanding the factors that contribute to violence, we can work towards creating a safer and more secure society for all.

If you find yourself charged with a gun crime, it is essential that you seek the guidance and representation of an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Gun crimes carry severe penalties, including heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences, and the potential loss of your rights to own and possess firearms in the future. Additionally, gun crimes are often charged as federal offenses, which can further complicate your legal situation.

In some cases, an attorney may be able to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed altogether. They can also help you explore options such as plea bargaining, diversion programs, or other alternatives to incarceration.