The use of firearms in school violence, including violence between school students and attacks by outsiders, has become a near-commonplace event in recent decades. From Columbine to Virginia Tech to Sandy Hook, the names of these schools and the horrific events they bring to mind have left a void in the hearts of many. There were 93 school shootings with casualties at U.S. public and private elementary and secondary schools in 2020-2021. At least 75 school shootings occurred in 2025. Since the 1999 Columbine school shooting, there have been at least 1,143 incidents involving one or more victims shot (killed or injured), and more than 435 school shootings have occurred during school hours at K-12 campuses during that period of time.

Both gun rights and gun control advocates have suggested ways to prevent the next school shooting. These ideas include posting armed security guards at schools, arming school employees, hardening school structures and entryways, and restricting access to firearms. Opponents of placing guns in schools warn that arming teachers and guards will increase the chance of accidental shootings, or of others acquiring their weapons. Advocates claim school and community gun violence is a result of many factors and will require a multifaceted approach to decrease the likelihood of another school shooting. Among others, this approach could include better screening and treatment for the mentally ill, better school construction, and better ways to keep undesirables from acquiring guns and ammunition.

Pending Legislation: H.R.3968 - School Violence Prevention Act
Sponsor: Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT)
Status: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chair: Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY)