- FBI data revealed that 2020 experienced the biggest year-over-year increase in US murders (+5,000 approx) ever.
- While the increase eclipsed the previous record (+1,938 in 1990), total murders (21,500) remain below peak early 1990s levels (24,000).
- Drivers behind the increase include pandemic-related stresses, police pullback after George Floyd protests and the increase in guns in circulation.
- Murders rose 35-40% in cities with over 100,000 people.
- While murders are still increasing in 2021, the rate of increase has slowed (+9.9%).
- 77% of US murders involve firearms.
