Shootings at hospitals have increased substantially since 2000, according to an analysis of more than 300 news stories published in JAMA Network Open. Shootings increased from about 6 per year in 2000 to 34 in 2024. Large hospitals, those in urban settings, and those in the south saw the most incidents.
The analysis found that nearly a third of hospital shootings were potentially preventable with weapons screening. A separate survey of hospital security leaders revealed that 48% used metal detectors at some hospital entrances, though comprehensive use remains much less common. The researchers particularly focused on screening as a potential solution to the growing threat of violence in healthcare settings.
Hospitals have largely struggled to adapt to increasing threats of violence. The research underscores the vulnerability of healthcare workers and patients to armed incidents and highlights the importance of security measures in protecting those who work and seek care in these facilities. Hospitals in the south and those in urban areas have been disproportionately affected by this trend, suggesting regional and demographic factors may influence incident rates.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.statnews.com/2026/05/07/health-news-hospital-shootings-steadily-on-the-rise/