A History of Gun Violence in the U.S.

History of Gun Violence

Period: Jan 1, 1950 to Jan 31, 2013

University of Texas Tower Shooting

Aug 1, 1966

16 people killed by Charles J. Whitman from a tower on the campus of the University of Texas.

Gun Control Act of 1968

Oct 22, 1968

After the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson enacted the Gun Control Act of 1968. This act regulated imported guns, strengthened background checks, and prevented felons and the mentally ill from obtaining firearms.

San Ysidro McDonald's Massacre

Jul 18, 1984

22 people killed by James Oliver Huberty at a McDonald's in San Ysidro, CA.

Oklahoma Post Office Shooting

Aug 20, 1986

15 people killed by Patrick Sherrill at a United States Post Office in Edmond, OK.

Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1985

Aug 28, 1986

The Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act of 1985 made armor piercing rounds, or "cop killer" bullets, illegal to possess.

Luby's Massacre, Texas

Oct 16, 1991

24 people killed by George Hennard at Luby's cafeteria in Killeen, TX.

Columbine High School Shooting

Apr 20, 1999

15 people killed by Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold at Columbine High School in Littleton, CO.

Virginia Tech Shooting

Apr 16, 2007

33 people killed by Seung-Hui Cho across the campus of Virginia Tech University.

Binghamton Shooting

Apr 3, 2009

14 people killed by Jiverly Wong at the American Civic Association immigration center.

Fort Hood Shooting

Nov 5, 2009

13 people killed by Nidal Malik Hasan outside of Killeen, TX.

Aurora Theater Massacre

Jul 20, 2012

12 people killed by James Eagan Holmes at the premiere of Dark Knight Rises in Aurora, CO.

Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting

Dec 14, 2012

26 people killed by Adam Lanza at an elementary school in Newtown, CT.