Data Access

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Request access to our comprehensive research databases for academic research, policy analysis, and journalism. All data requests are reviewed to ensure responsible use.

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Available Datasets

Our databases are the result of years of rigorous research and are regularly updated with new cases and variables.

Mass Shooter Database

Complete life history data on 207 mass shooters since 1966, including over 200 variables per case covering demographics, mental health, motives, and more.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

200+

Cases

207

Updated

Quarterly

Mass Shooter Firearms

Detailed information on 457 firearms used in mass shootings, including classification, acquisition method, modifications, and caliber.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

25+

Cases

457

Updated

Quarterly

Mass Shooter Victims

Anonymized victim data including demographics and relationship to shooter, enabling analysis of victim selection patterns.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

15+

Cases

1,400+

Updated

Quarterly

K-12 School Homicides

Comprehensive data on homicides at K-12 schools including incident details, school characteristics, and security measures.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

80+

Cases

577

Updated

Annually

Higher Education Homicides

Data on homicides at colleges and universities including school type, campus characteristics, and incident context.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

80+

Cases

469

Updated

Annually

Workplace Homicides

Workplace violence data including industry type, insider/outsider status, and victim-perpetrator relationships.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

80+

Cases

945

Updated

Annually

House of Worship Homicides

Data on violence at religious institutions including denomination, accessibility, and security measures.

Format

CSV, Excel

Variables

80+

Cases

668

Updated

Annually

Usage Guidelines

To ensure responsible use of sensitive data, all users must agree to our terms of use.

Academic Research

Data may be used for peer-reviewed research, thesis work, and academic publications with proper citation.

Policy Analysis

Government agencies and policy organizations may use data to inform evidence-based policy decisions.

Journalism

Credentialed journalists may request access for news reporting with attribution to The Violence Prevention Project.

Educational Use

Educators may use data for classroom instruction and student projects with appropriate context.

Commercial Use

Data may not be used for commercial products, services, or for-profit ventures without explicit permission.

Redistribution

Data may not be redistributed, shared publicly, or posted online without written permission.

How to Cite

When using our data in publications, please cite as:

Peterson, J. & Densley, J. (2026). The Violence Prevention Project Mass Shooter Database [Data set]. The Violence Prevention Project. https://theviolenceproject.org

This project was originally supported by National Institute of Justice Award 2018-75-CX-0023. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Justice.