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INITIATIVE
Mass Shooting Incidents in America (1984-2012)
Mass shootings are a unique feature of American life which have occurred consistently throughout history in every region of the country. The increased lethality of such incidents is made possible by the use of large capacity ammunition magazines (defined as more than 10-rounds) which enable a shooter to rapidly fire off as many as 100-rounds without having to reload the firearm. Designed for military use to kill greater numbers of people more effectively, large capacity ammunition magazines have facilitated some of the worst mass murders ever committed in the United States. As these incidents occur in every region of the country, restricting civilian access to these weapons is not a state specific problem. The federal government needs to take action to protect all Americans by reinstating the ban on large capacity ammunition magazines.
This database provides an overview of significant mass shooting incidents in America (defined by the FBI as four or more victims killed), all of which involved large capacity ammunition magazines.
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December 14, 2012
Newtown, CT
Adam Lanza, 20
30-rounds
>154
27 (plus shooter = 28)
unknown
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Sandy Hook Elementary School
On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza armed with a .22-caliber rifle killed his mother in her home in Newtown, CT. Lanza then stocked his mother's car with firearms and drove to Sandy Hook Elementary School. He shot his way into the school and opened fire with a Bushmaster XM15 .223-caliber semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine, killing 26, including 20 students' ages six and seven. As police closed in Lanza committed suicide by shooting himself with a GLOCK 10mm handgun. He fired over 154 shots in less than five minutes.
An unknown make and model .22-caliber rifle, a Bushmaster XM15 .223-caliber semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine, and a GLOCK 10mm handgun were used. According to the Danbury State's Attorney, police also recovered in Lanza's possession a SIG SAUER P226 9mm handgun and three loaded 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines for the Bushmaster. Six additional 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines were recovered at the scene. A loaded unknown make and model 12-gauge shotgun was found in the passenger compartment of the car (later moved to the trunk by police). All of the guns used in the shooting were purchased by Lanza's mother.
Suicide. |
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September 27, 2012
Minneapolis, MN
Andrew John Engeldinger, 36
15-rounds
>46
6 (plus shooter = 7)
2
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Accent Signage Systems
On September 27, 2012, after working his shift at Accent Signage Systems, Andrew Engeldinger was told by two company managers that he was being fired for chronic tardiness and poor performance. Upon hearing this news, Engeldinger pulled out a semiautomatic handgun equipped with a 15-round large capacity ammunition magazine, the managers tried to get the gun from him, unable to both mangers were shot. The large capacity ammunition magazine was dropped during the struggle; Engeldinger reinserted the magazine into the firearm and began to move through the office, shooting at some employees but not others. Over approximately 15 minutes, Engeldinger shot seven employees and a UPS driver before turning the gun on himself. Four victims died at the scene, two died at the hospital (one the following day and the other two weeks later), and two others were injured.
GLOCK 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with a 15-round large capacity ammunition magazine. Engeldinger purchased the firearm one year before the shooting at KGS Guns and Ammo in Minneapolis after passing a background check and obtaining a permit to purchase. Police reportedly found packaging for 10,000 rounds of ammunition and another handgun in Engeldinger's home.
Suicide. |
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August 5, 2012
Oak Creek, WI
Wade Michael Page, 40
19-rounds
unknown
6 (plus shooter = 7)
3
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Sikh Temple of Wisconsin
Around 10:30 AM, Wade Michael Page, a U.S. Army veteran, opened fire in the parking lot of a Sikh temple, then entered the building shooting congregants gathering for Sunday meditation. Police officers arrived on the scene in response to 911 calls, and exchanged fire with the shooter. Page killed six and injured three, including a responding officer, before committing suicide.
Springfield Armory XD(M) 9mm semiautomatic handgun equipped with a 19-round large capacity ammunition magazine. Weeks before the shooting, Wade legally purchased the handgun and three 19-round large capacity ammunition magazines from a federal firearms licensed dealer in nearby West Allis, WI. According to media reports, Wade served in the U.S. Army from 1992 until 1998, when he was given an other-than-honorable discharge or general discharge. In 1994, while stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas, he was arrested by El Paso police, and pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief. Federal law does not prohibit persons with convictions for misdemeanors other than domestic violence misdemeanors or persons who have been discharged from the military for reasons other than "dishonorably" from purchasing firearms.
Wade committed suicide after being shot by police at the scene. The FBI is leading the investigation which is being treated as a possible act of
domestic terrorism. |
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July 20, 2012
Aurora, CO
James Holmes, 24
100-rounds
>80
12
70
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The Dark Knight Rises: Movie theatre Shooting
Shortly after the start of the midnight premiere screening of Batman: The Dark Knight Rises on July 20, 2012, at the Century Aurora 16 movie theatre in Aurora, CO, James Holmes exited the theatre through an emergency exit. He returned through the propped open emergency exit door, clad in ballistic body armor, wearing a gas mask, and armed with multiple firearms. After tossing two canisters of tear gas into the theatre he began firing upon the audience. He first used an AR-15-type assault rifle equipped with a 100-round drum large capacity ammunition magazine, after the assault rifle jammed, he then continued with a 12-gauge shotgun and a handgun--killing 12 and wounding 70 (including three wounded when bullets went through a wall into an adjacent theatre).
A Smith & Wesson M&P15 assault rifle equipped with a 100-round drum large capacity ammunition magazine, a Remington Model 870 12-gauge pump shotgun, and two GLOCK .40-caliber handguns, were recovered at the scene by police. In the months leading to the shooting, Holmes purchased the weapons and 6,000-rounds of ammunition at gun shops and over the Internet. In addition to the weapons used in the shooting, Holmes booby-trapped his apartment, rigging trip wire to detonate 30 plastic shells stuffed with gunpowder, several glass jars filled with gasoline and gunpowder, and 10 gallons of gasoline in canisters.
Holmes was apprehended by the police in the theatre's rear parking lot within seven minutes of the first 911 calls from moviegoers. On July 30, 2012, Holmes appeared before the District Court of Arapahoe County, CO for formal charging on 142 counts. Later in the court process, the prosecution amended the charges to include 24 counts of murder in the first degree (two counts for each of the 12 victims killed); 140 counts of attempted murder in the first degree (two counts for each of the 70 victims injured); one count of possession of explosive or incendiary devices; and one count of unlawful use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a violent crime. On June 4, 2013, Holmes changed his original plea of not guilty to a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Trial began on April 27, 2015, and on July 16, 2015, the jurors found Holmes guilty on 24 counts of murder in the first degree, 134 counts of attempted murder in the first degree, 6 counts of the lesser included offense of attempted murder in the second degree, one count of possession of explosive or incendiary devices; and one count of unlawful use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a violent crime. On August 27, 2015, Holmes was sentenced to 12 consecutive life imprisonment sentences without the possibility of parole plus 3,318 years imprisonment.
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September 6, 2011
Carson City, NV
Eduardo Sencion, 32
30-rounds
unknown
4 (plus shooter = 5)
7
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Carson City IHOP
At about 9 AM, Sencion entered an IHOP restaurant and began shooting at a table of uniformed National Guard members. He hit all 5 of the members, in addition to 5 civilians inside the restaurant. He eventually moved out into the parking lot, where he shot one woman before turning the gun on himself. Though his eight-minute rampage seemed focused on the Guardsmen, Sencion had no known association with the military and his motives remain unknown. He had no criminal record, but his family has indicated that he had a history of mental illness.
AK-47 type assault rifle equipped with a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine. Two additional guns and two more magazines were found in his vehicle.
Suicide.
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July 7, 2011
Grand Rapids, MI
Rodrick Shonte Dantzler, 34
30-rounds
>10
7 (plus shooter = 8)
2
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Grand Rapids
On a Thursday afternoon, Dantzler went to two homes on a shooting rampage, killing two ex-girlfriends and members of their families, including his own ten-year-old daughter and another child. He then led police on a high-speed chase, shooting two bystanders before crashing his car into an embankment. Dantzler fled, forced his way inside a nearby home, and held three occupants hostage for four hours before shooting himself in the head at about 11:30 PM. He had been arrested once before for assault with intent to do great bodily harm.
GLOCK 9mm semiautomatic pistol (unknown model) equipped with a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine.
Suicide.
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January 8, 2011
Tucson, AZ
Jared Lee Loughner, 22
33-rounds
15-rounds
33
6
13
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U.S. Rep. Gabriel Giffords Congress on Your Corner
During an outdoor constituent meet-and-greet at a Tucson grocery store, Loughner allegedly attempted to assassinate Rep. Giffords, and in the process murdered 6 and wounded 12 others. He first shot Rep. Giffords in the head from about three feet away and then turned to the crowd, firing over 30 rounds in just 15 seconds. Among those killed include a federal judge, Hon. John M. Roll, congressional staff, and civilians ranging in age from 9 to 79.
GLOCK 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with a 33-round large capacity ammunition magazine. Loughner was also carrying two 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, and a knife. The ATF determined Loughner legally purchased the GLOCK pistol with an extended magazine and one box of Winchester ammunition on November 30, 2010, from Sportsman's Warehouse in Tucson.
Loughner was tackled while attempting to reload his firearm with another large capacity ammunition magazine. He was later taken into custody by Sheriff's deputies at the scene. The day following the shooting, Loughner was charged with five federal counts to which he pleaded not guilty. On March 4, 2011, he was charged with an additional 49 federal charges, to which he also pleaded not guilty. On May 25, 2011, Loughner was found not mentally competent to stand trial. A federal judge ruled on September 28, 2011, that efforts to treat him for mental illness in a federal facility should continue until he is mentally fit to be tried. Loughner was diagnosed with and treated for schizophrenia. After he was found mentally competent to stand trial, Loughner pleaded guilty on August 7, 2012, to 19 counts related to the date of the shooting. On November 8, 2012, Loughner was sentenced to seven consecutive life terms, plus 140 years in prison without the possibility of parole (one life term for the attempted assassination of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords; two life terms for the murder of two federal employees; four life terms for the murders of four participants at the event; two 20 year terms for the attempted murders of two federal employees; and ten 10 year terms for causing the injuring through the use of a firearm of ten participants at the event).
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August 3, 2010
Manchester, CT
Omar Thornton, 34
17-rounds
>11
8 (plus shooter = 9)
2
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Hartford Beer Distributor
Thornton arrived at work early in the morning for a meeting with his employers. During the meeting he was shown video surveillance which proved he had been stealing beer from the company. Thornton was offered the choice to either resign from his position as a truck driver or be fired. Following the meeting, Thornton went into the employee kitchen to retrieve two handguns equipped with 17-round large capacity ammunition magazines he had previously hidden. He then traveled through the Distributor warehouse shooting deliberately. During the rampage, he murdered eight co-workers and wounded two more.
Thornton eventually hid in a far office where he called the police to explain his motive prior to committing suicide. In his 911 call, Thornton claimed that the Hartford Beer Distributor was a "racist place." As he told the 911 dispatcher, "They treat me bad over here and they treat all the other black employees bad over here too."
Two Ruger SR9 9mm semiautomatic pistols equipped with 17-round magazines.
Thornton purchased both firearms legally from an East Windsor, CT gun dealer.
Suicide. |
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November 5, 2009
Fort Hood, TX
Nidal Malik Hasan, 39
30-rounds
20-rounds
214
13
32
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Fort Hood
On the afternoon of November 5, 2009, Major Nidal Malik Hasan—an army psychiatrist—walked into a medical processing center and began firing upon those inside. The rampage began at 1:20 pm, and lasted for about four minutes, during which Hasan fired off about 214 shots, killing 13 and wounding 32 more. After running outside the building to chase down a wounded soldier, Hasan was confronted by a police officer. Engaging in a brief firefight, the officer managed to down Hasan with a shot to the torso.
Reports have linked the incident to domestic terrorism.
FN Herstal 5.7 Tactical Pistol equipped with 20-round large capacity ammunition magazine. When Hasan was apprehended, investigators found in his possession 177-rounds in 30-round and 20-round large capacity ammunition magazines, another handgun, a revolver, and two gunsights (for different lighting conditions). Hasan purchased the FN Herstal 5.7 Tactical Pistol legally at Guns Galore, a shop in Killeen, TX.
After he was shot, Hasan was arrested. In 2009, he was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. In August 2013, following a 22-day court-martial, during which he represented himself, Hasan was convicted of all charges. He was sentenced to the death penalty.
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April 3, 2009
Binghamton, NY
Jiverly Wong, 41
30-rounds
15-rounds
99
13 (plus shooter = 14)
4
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American Civic Association
Armed with two handguns and 30- and 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Wong drove to the American Civic Association building, where he previously took classes. He first barricaded the back entrance of the building with a borrowed car, then entered through the front entrance and began firing. He first opened fire on the association's receptionists, killing one and wounding the other. The surviving receptionist, Shirley DeLucia, feigned death and, after Wong moved further into the building, called 911. Meanwhile, Wong entered a classroom and resumed fire, killing 12 and wounding 3 students and association workers, before eventually turning his gun on himself.
His exact motives remain unclear; however, a letter he wrote a month prior to the attack indicates great frustration both with the police and with his lack of employment.
Beretta .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, Beretta 9mm semiautomatic pistol (models unknown), and two 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines and two 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Suicide. |
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February 14, 2008
DeKalb, IL
Steven Phillip Kazmierczak, 27
33-rounds
15-rounds
54
5 (plus shooter = 6)
21
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Northern Illinois University
Armed with four firearms and 33- and 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, graduate student Steven Kazmierczak kicked in the door of a Cole Hall lecture room and began firing on the 162-person class. Firing approximately 54 shots, he killed 5 students and wounded 17 others, before taking his own life.
Kazmierczak had a history of mental illness, erratic behavior, and self-mutilation, and had reportedly stopped taking his medication in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
SIG SAUER Kurz 9mm semiautomatic pistol, Hi-Point CF380 .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, GLOCK 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol, Remington Sportsman 48 12-gauge shotgun, and 33-round and 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Kazmierczak purchased all four weapons from Tony's Gun & Ammo in Champaign, IL between August 3, 2007 and February 9, 2008.
Kazmierczak also purchased gun accessories from a website operated by TGSCOM, Inc., the same company patronized by the VA Tech shooter.
Suicide. |
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December 5, 2007
Omaha, NE
Robert Hawkins, 19
30-rounds
>14
8 (plus shooter = 9)
5
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Westroads Mall
Armed with an assault rifle and two 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Hawkins opened fire from the third floor balcony of the Westroads Mall. He killed six employees and two customers, and wounded five more, before taking his own life. Police arrived on the scene about six minutes after the shooting began, by which time it was already over. Hawkins had a history of mental illness and a criminal record. Police say the shooting was random.
WASR-10 semiautomatic assault rifle and two 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Suicide. |
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April 16, 2007
Blacksburg, VA
Seung-Hui Cho, 23
15-rounds
176
32 (plus shooter = 33)
17
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
At about 7 AM, Cho entered West Ambler Johnston dormitory, shot and killed two students, then returned to his dormitory to change out of his bloody clothes. At approximately 9:40 AM, he entered Norris Hall and began shooting at students and faculty in classrooms on the second floor. The rampage—during which 30 more people were killed and 17 wounded—lasted until approximately 9:51 AM, when Cho committed suicide. Exact motives remain unclear. Cho had a long history of mental and physical illness, depression, selective mutism, and wrote "dark and troubling" papers for his classes, which included fantasies about the Columbine shooting.
GLOCK 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol and Walther P22 .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol. Investigators found a total of 17 empty magazines at the scene of the shooting, a mix of several 15-round, and 10-round magazines loaded with hollow-point rounds (bullets with the tip hollowed out, designed to expand upon impact). He possessed over 400 rounds of ammunition. Cho ordered the Walther P22 from a website operated by TGSCOM, Inc. Kazmierczak patronized the same company before the NIU shooting. On February 9, 2007, Cho picked up the pistol from J-N-D Pawn-brokers, located across the street from the VA Tech campus. In compliance with the state law limiting handgun purchases to one every 30 days, Cho purchased the GLOCK 19 on March 13, 2007. He also purchased five 10-round magazines from eBay in March. Cho's purchase of these firearms was in violation of federal law; he was disqualified from purchasing or possessing a firearm and ammunition, because a special justice of the Montgomery County General District Court had found him to be a danger to himself on December 14, 2005.
Suicide. |
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January 30, 2006
Goleta, CA
Jennifer San Marco, 44
15-rounds
unknown
7 (plus shooter = 8)
0
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Santa Barbara Postal Processing and Distribution Center
On the night of January 30, 2006, Jennifer San Marco sneaked into a Santa Barbara condominium where she shot and killed a former neighbor. Less than an hour later, her rampage continued at the Santa Barbara Postal Processing and Distribution Center where she had worked for about six years. Armed with a semiautomatic handgun equipped with a 15-round large capacity ammunition magazine, San Marco shot six postal employees (two in the parking lot and four in the building), before turning the gun on herself. Five victims died at the scene and one died in the hospital two days later. San Marco's employment at the postal facility ended in 2003 when she was placed on retirement disability for psychological reasons. No suicide note was left to explain her motive, but police reportedly found writings in San Marco's New Mexico home (where she moved in 2004) alluding to a conspiracy plot involving the postal facility where the shooting occurred, a local medical facility, and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department.
Smith & Wesson 915 9mm semiautomatic handgun equipped with a 15-round large capacity ammunition magazine. San Marco purchased the firearm at a pawn shop in New Mexico in August 2005.
Suicide. |
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November 21, 2004
Meteor, WI
Chai Vang, 36
20-rounds
20
6
3
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Hunting Camp
On a hunting trip in Northwest Wisconsin, at about noon on a Sunday, Vang was sitting in a hunting stand used to look out for deer, when he encountered a group of other hunters who informed him that he was trespassing on private property. Police report that Vang began to walk away, then turned, and opened fire. During the course of the shooting, he shot nine people, five of whom died during the incident (the sixth victim succumbed to the gunshot wounds the following day).
One of the wounded victims recorded the hunting license number posted on Vang's orange vest and supplied it to police.
SKS 7.62mm semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 20-round large capacity ammunition magazine.
At about 5 PM that same day, police arrested Vang.
At Vang's preliminary hearing, he pleaded not guilty to six counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. During the trial, which lasted from September 11 to 18, 2005, Vang's defense argued that he had felt "under siege" from the other hunters, and that they had been using racial slurs against him. Vang was convicted of murder and eventually sentenced to six life sentences without the possibility of parole.
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December 26, 2000
Wakefield, MA
Michael McDermott, 42
60-rounds
37
7
0
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Edgewater Technology Office
Armed with multiple firearms and a 60-round large capacity ammunition magazine, McDermott arrived at his workplace at about 9 AM. After about two hours, he began his rampage by walking to the reception desk and shooting and killing the office manager. He moved throughout the building continuing to shoot at specific coworkers, firing 37 shots over the course of five to six minutes before he stopped firing, returned to the reception area and sat down.
Authorities speculated that McDermott's motive centered on anger that his wages were to be collected by the IRS for the payment of back taxes.
AK-47-type semiautomatic assault rifle, unknown make and model 12-gauge shotgun, unknown make and model .32-caliber semiautomatic pistol, and 60-round large capacity ammunition magazine.
McDermott was arrested at the scene. He was charged with seven counts of murder, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Over the course of a 14-day trial in April 2002, McDermott's defense was based on insanity. During his testimony, he expressed a belief that he had been sent back in time to kill Nazis, a move which the prosecution claimed to be a fabricated "psychic alibi." At the end of the trial, McDermott was convicted of seven counts of murder and received seven life sentences.
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November 2, 1999
Honolulu, HI
Byran Uyesugi, 40
17-rounds
28
7
0
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Xerox Office Building
Armed with a handgun and three 17-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Uyesugi entered offices of the Xerox corporation in Honolulu and commenced firing. After firing approximately 28 shots, killing 7 people (he missed an 8th), Uyesugi promptly left and drove to the Hawaii Nature Center. After a 5-hour standoff with police, he surrendered. Uyesugi is said to have been a disgruntled employee—with a history of anger issues—who at the time was feeling work-related pressure.
GLOCK 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol and three 17-round large capacity ammunition magazines, loaded with hollow point bullets (bullets with the tip hollowed out, designed to expand upon impact). Uyesugi legally purchased the GLOCK in 1989.
On November 9, 1999, Uyesugi was indicted on nine felony counts, including one count of first degree murder, seven counts of murder in the second degree, and one count of attempted murder in the second degree. On May 15, 2000, the trial against Uyesugi began. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, but the jury rejected that plea and found him guilty. Uyesugi was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. In 2002, he appealed his conviction but the State of Hawai'i Supreme Court upheld his conviction. |
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September 15, 1999
Fort Worth, TX
Larry Gene Ashbrook, 47
15-rounds
30
7 (plus shooter = 8)
7
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Wedgwood Baptist Church
Armed with two handguns and three 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Ashbrook walked into Wedgwood Baptist Church during a teen rally and began shooting. He killed 7 people (three of whom were teenagers) and wounded 7 more. Over the course of the attack, he fired approximately 30 shots and threw a pipe bomb in the church. Ashbrook then committed suicide.
According to witnesses, during the shooting Ashbrook was yelling anti-religious invectives. In addition, a news report described him as one who "seethed with hostility, distrusted neighbors, and sometimes victimized the vulnerable."
Ruger P85 9mm semiautomatic pistol, unknown make and model .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and three 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Ashbrook legally acquired both weapons from federally licensed firearms dealers in 1992.
Suicide. |
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April 20, 1999
Littleton, CO
Eric Harris, 18
Dylan Klebold, 17
52-rounds
32-rounds
28-rounds
188
13 (plus shooters = 15)
24
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Columbine High School
On the morning of April 20th, Harris and Klebold entered Columbine High School and placed two propane bombs in the cafeteria. They then returned to their cars, awaiting detonation. After the bombs failed to detonate, Harris and Klebold gathered their guns and large capacity ammunition magazines ranging from 28- to 52-rounds, they then approached the school's west entrance. At approximately 11:20 AM, they begin shooting at students outside the school. After entering the school, they commenced shooting and throwing pipe bombs at random, eventually proceeding to the library where they killed 10 and injured 12 more. Leaving the library, they continued wandering about the school, occasionally firing through windows at law enforcement, until—at around noon—they committed suicide. In less than an hour, Harris and Klebold killed 13 and wounded 24.
Savage Springfield 67H 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, Savage Stevens 311D 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun, Hi-Point 995 9mm semiautomatic rifle, INTRATEC TEC-DC9 9mm semiautomatic pistol, and thirteen 10-round magazines, one 52-, one 32-, one 28-round large capacity ammunition magazines. Harris and Klebold illegally acquired the shotguns and Hi-Point rifle through a "straw purchase" (a transaction in which a legal buyer makes a purchase for someone who cannot legally purchase the firearm). Their friend, Robyn Anderson, purchased the three firearms at the Tanner Gun Show from unlicensed sellers in December of 1998. A pizza shop employee, Mark Manes, illegally sold them the INTRATEC TEC-DC9.
Suicide. |
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May 20-21, 1998
Springfield, OR
Kipland Philip "Kip" Kinkel, 15
50-rounds
>50
4
25
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Thurston High School
At about 3 PM, Kinkel, who had earlier been suspended from school for illegal possession of a firearm, loaded a .22-caliber rifle and shot his father in the back of the head. Roughly 3 hours later, Kinkel's mother returned home and he fatally shot her six times. The next morning, Kinkel armed himself with multiple weapons including a 50-round large capacity ammunition magazine, then drove to his school, arriving at about 7:55 AM. Walking through a school hallway, he shot 27 students, killing 2 of them, before he was finally tackled to the ground by other students while trying to reload.
GLOCK 19 9mm semiautomatic pistol, Ruger (unknown model) .22-caliber semiautomatic pistol, Ruger (unknown model) .22-caliber rifle, and a 50-round large capacity ammunition magazine. The GLOCK and rifle were legally purchased by Kinkel's father.
Kinkel was taken into custody by the police at the scene. On the 16th of June, Kinkel was indicted on 58 charges, 4 of which were for aggravated murder. In September of the following year, Kinkel pleaded guilty to the aggravated murder charges and 25 counts of attempted murder, and pleaded no contest to one attempted murder count. During his sentencing hearing, psychiatrists testified that Kinkel showed signs of schizophrenia. Evidence was also presented that he expressed admiration for the Westside Middle School shooting which occurred two months earlier. On November 2nd, Kinkel was sentenced to 111 years and 8 months in prison without the possibility of parole. In 2002, he appealed his sentence, but the Court of Appeals of Oregon found the sentence did not violate the Oregon Constitution. In 2007, he petitioned for a new trial, but a Marion County judge denied the motion. Kinkel then appealed that decision but on January 12, 2011, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court decision denying his motion for a new trial.
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March 24, 1998
Jonesboro, AR
Andrew Golden, 11
Mitchell Johnson, 13
30-rounds
15-rounds
>26
5
10
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Westside Middle School
On the morning of March 24, Golden and Johnson stole a van owned by the Johnson family, drove to Golden's grandparents' house to acquire weaponry, including multiple 30- and 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, and then continued on to Westside Middle School. Golden entered the school and pulled the fire alarm, then ran back outside to wait with Johnson. As students and teachers came running out of the school, the two boys opened fire, killing 5 (one of whom was a teacher) and wounding 10 (9 students and 1 teacher). Johnson claims Golden came up with the plan just to scare the kids who had bullied him.
Universal M1 Carbine .30-caliber replica, Davis Industries .38-caliber two-shot derringer, Double Deuce Buddie .22-caliber two-shot derringer, Charter Arms .38-caliber revolver, Star .380-caliber pistol, FIE .380-caliber pistol, Ruger Security Six .357-caliber revolver, Ruger .44 magnum rifle, Smith & Wesson .38-caliber revolver, Remington 742 .30-06-caliber rifle, 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, three 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines, and over 150-rounds of ammunition.
After the shooting, Golden and Johnson ran into the woods and were eventually caught by police. The boys were convicted as juveniles to the maximum sentence possible under state law, imprisonment until they turned 18. Prior to their 18th birthdays, they were convicted of a federal crime for bringing a gun to school. They were then transferred to federal prisons until their 21st birthdays. Upon release they would have no criminal record, making them legally eligible to purchase a firearm. Johnson was released on August 11, 2005, and Golden was released on May 25, 2007.
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March 6, 1998
Newington, CT
Matthew Beck, 35
19-rounds
>5
4 (plus shooter = 5)
0
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Connecticut State Lottery Headquarters
Nearly two weeks after retuning to work following several months of "stress-related" medical leave, Beck, a State Lottery employee, arrived at work armed with a handgun equipped with a 19-round large capacity ammunition magazine. He shot and killed four of his bosses. As police arrived, Beck shot and killed himself.
Beck had a history of depression and was disgruntled with his employer over a salary dispute and being passed over for a promotion.
GLOCK model unknown 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with a 19-round large capacity ammunition magazine.
Beck had a permit for the 9mm pistol used in the shooting.
Suicide. |
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December 18, 1997
Orange, CA
Arturo Reyes Torres, 41
30-rounds
144
4 (plus shooter = 5)
2
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Caltrans Maintenance Yard
Armed with an assault rifle and five 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Torres fired 144 rounds in just over two minutes upon his former co-workers. He killed four, including his former supervisor, and wounded two more.
Torres had recently been accused of stealing and selling government-owned materials and subsequently fired from his job at Caltrans. He is believed to have been seeking revenge against his former supervisor, who Torres felt set him up.
Chinese-made AK-47-type 7.62mm semiautomatic assault rifle and five 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Torres legally purchased the rifle on April 30, 1988, from B&B Gun Sales in Orange County, CA.
Torres was shot and killed by police. |
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June 20, 1994
Fairchild Air Force Base, WA
Dean Allen Mellberg, 20
75-rounds
unknown
5 (plus shooter = 6)
23
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Fairchild Air Force Base
Weeks after receiving an involuntary honorable discharge from the Air Force, Dean Allen Mellberg took a cab to the Fairchild Air Force Base hospital armed with a Mak-90 semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 75-round drum large capacity ammunition magazine. He shot and killed two doctors, who he reportedly blamed for his discharge from the military. Mellberg then fired upon others in the hospital, chasing some outside the building. Once outside he encountered a military police officer who fatally shot him. In the few minutes Mellberg was shooting, he killed 5 and wounded 23.
Chinese-made Mak-90 semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 75-round drum large capacity ammunition magazine. He purchased the assault rifle on June 15, 1994, five days before the shooting, and the following day purchased 80 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and a 75-round drum large capacity ammunition magazine.
Shot and killed by military police. |
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December 7, 1993
Long Island, NY
Colin Ferguson, 35
15-rounds
30
6
19
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Long Island Railroad
Armed with a handgun and four 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Ferguson boarded a 5:33 PM Long Island bound commuter train from NYC's Pennsylvania Station. During the journey he began firing on passengers. He emptied approximately 30 rounds upon 25 people, killing 6. Ferguson's motives for the shooting are believed to stem from a variety of complaints. Police discovered a notebook in which Ferguson vented his hatred for "Caucasians and Uncle Tom Negroes," then-Governor Mario Cuomo, and the state Workers' Compensation Board.
Ruger P89 9mm semiautomatic pistol and four 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines. Ferguson legally acquired the weapon in California at an outlet of Turner's Outdoorsman.
Stopping to reload, Ferguson was tackled by three train passengers. Ferguson was indicted on January 19, 1994. A lengthy and controversial trial ensued, during which Ferguson's lawyers—William Kunstler and Ronald Kuby—insisted that he was overcome with "black rage." Ferguson rejected that defense and eventually dismissed Kunstler and Kuby. Maintaining his plea of not guilty, Ferguson was finally convicted of murder on February 17, 1995.
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July 1, 1993
San Francisco, CA
Gian Luigi Ferri, 55
50-rounds
40-rounds
>75
8 (plus shooter = 9)
6
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101 California Street Office of Pettit & Martin Law Firm
Armed with three firearms and 40- and 50-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Ferri opened fire on the offices of the law firm Pettit & Martin on the 34th floor of a San Francisco high-rise. He fired between 75 to 100 rounds, killing eight and wounding six, before killing himself. Ferri—a real estate speculator undergoing major financial trouble—had previously hired the law firm. His exact motives remain unclear, but police found a letter written by Ferri indicating frustrations with Pettit & Martin over real estate advice they had given him in 1981.
Two INTRATEC TEC-DC9 semiautomatic pistols, Colt (unknown model) .45-caliber semiautomatic pistol, and 40-round and 50-round large capacity ammunition magazines loaded with a mix of Black Talon and standard ammunition. According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Ferri purchased the pistols from two stores in Las Vegas: Super Pawn and Pacific Tactical Weapons.
Suicide. |
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October 16, 1991
Killeen, TX
George Hennard, 35
17-rounds
15-rounds
100
23 (plus shooter = 24)
20
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Luby's Cafeteria
Armed with two handguns and 17-round and 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Hennard crashed his pickup into Luby's Cafeteria during a busy lunch hour. Stepping out of the vehicle, he began shooting randomly, killing 23 and wounding 20. After firing approximately 100 shots over 10 minutes, Hennard shot himself in the head.
His motives remain unclear, but neighbors described him as "combative and unstable."
GLOCK 17 9mm semiautomatic pistol, Ruger P89 semiautomatic pistol, and 17-round and 15-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Hennard legally purchased the weapons from Mike's Gun Shop in Henderson, NV, in February and March of 1991.
Suicide. |
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June 18, 1990
Jacksonville, FL
James Edward Pough, 42
30-rounds
>14
9 (plus shooter = 10)
4
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General Motors Acceptance Corporation Office
Armed with two firearms and a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine, Pough opened fire in offices of General Motors. He killed nine and wounded four before taking his own life.
It is believed Pough was angered by having his 1988 Pontiac Grand Am repossessed by the Corporation.
Universal M1 .30-caliber semiautomatic assault rifle, unknown make and model .38-caliber revolver, and a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine.
Suicide. |
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September 14, 1989
Louisville, KY
Joseph Wesbecker, 47
30-rounds
>21
8 (plus shooter = 9)
12
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Standard Gravure Corporation
Armed with a duffle-bag full of firearms and 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Wesbecker opened fire at the offices of his former employer, shooting and killing 8 and wounding 12, before taking his own life.
Wesbecker had been placed on permanent disability leave due to mental illness.
Chinese-made AK-47-type semiautomatic assault rifle, two INTRATEC MAC-11 semiautomatic assault pistols, SIG SAUER unknown model 9mm semiautomatic pistol, unknown make and model .38-caliber revolver, and 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Wesbecker legally purchased the AK-47-type assault rifle from Tilford's Gun Sales in Louisville.
Suicide. |
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January 17, 1989
Stockton, CA
Patrick Purdy, 24
75-rounds
35-rounds
106
5 (plus shooter = 6)
30
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Cleveland Elementary School
Armed with two firearms and multiple 75- and 35-round large capacity magazines, Purdy first set his car on fire in the parking lot of Cleveland Elementary School. He then entered school grounds and began shooting. Over the course of the rampage, Purdy killed 5 students and wounded 30 others, including one teacher. After firing approximately 106 shots with an AK-47-type assault rifle over less than two minutes, he shot himself in the head with a pistol. Purdy's former acquaintances reported that he "developed a hate for everybody" including an intense dislike of Asian Americans. Of the five fatalities incurred during the Cleveland School Massacre, four were born in Cambodia and one in Vietnam.
Chinese-made AK-47-type semiautomatic assault rifle, Taurus unknown model 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a 75-round large capacity ammunition drum magazine, a 75-round large capacity ammunition rotary magazine, and four 35-round large capacity ammunition banana magazines. Purdy legally purchased the AK-47-type rifle at Sandy Trading Post, in Sandy, OR on August 3, 1988, and the Taurus 9mm pistol at Hunter Loan and Jewelry Co. in Stockton, CA on December 28, 1988.
Suicide. |
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April 23, 1987
Palm Bay, FL
William Cruse, Jr., 59
30-rounds
unknown
6
10
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Palm Bay shopping center
On April 23, 1987, William Cruse, Jr., loaded his car with a Strum, Ruger Mini-14 semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine, five 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition, a shotgun, and a pistol, and began to drive to a local shopping center. He first stopped at a neighbor's driveway, opened the car window, picked up his shotgun and opened fire upon two brothers and their father and mother, wounding one of the brothers. Cruse then continued on to the Palm Bay Center where he shot and killed three people and wounded three others with the assault rifle. He then drove across the street to the Sabal Palm Square shopping center, exited his car and again opened fire. As officers approached, Cruse reloaded his assault rifle and fired into the police car killing an officer. Another officer arrived and exited his police car, Cruse continued firing upon the officers, killing another officer. Cruse then fled into a grocery store firing upon the shoppers inside, killing one and wounding several more. He then found two women hiding in the restroom; he let one out of the store to negotiate with police and kept the other hostage. After several hours, Cruse released the hostage. Police then fired tear gas and stun grenades into the store, forcing Cruse out of the store and allowing officers to take him into custody. During the over 7 hour rampage, Cruse killed 6, including 2 police officers, and wounded 10 more. Police officers were so outgunned that a neighbor provided police an AR-15 assault rifle to help match Cruse's firepower.
Strum, Ruger Mini-14 semiautomatic assault rifle equipped with a 30-round large capacity ammunition magazine, five 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines, 180 rounds of ammunition, a shotgun (unknown make and model), and a pistol (unknown make and model). Cruse ordered the assault rifle on March 21, 1987. On April 17, 1987, he purchased 100-rounds of ammunition and six 30-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Cruse was arrested at the scene. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. In 2009, a jury in Polk County, FL, convicted Cruse of 6 counts of first-degree murder, 22 counts of attempted first-degree murder, 2 counts of attempted second-degree murder, 1 count of false imprisonment, and 1 count of kidnapping. In 1989, Curse was sentenced to the death penalty for the murders of the two officers and sentenced to consecutive life sentences for the other four murders and attempted murders. While on death row, Cruse died of natural causes in 2009.
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July 18, 1984
San Ysidro, CA
James Oliver Huberty, 41
25-rounds
257
21 (plus shooter = 22)
19
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McDonald's Restaurant
Armed with multiple firearms and 25-round large capacity ammunition magazines, Huberty entered the McDonald's restaurant and opened fire. He shot 40 people, killing 21 and wounding 19. He expended 257 rounds over 77 minutes, before being killed by a police sniper. No motive has been established. Prior to the shooting, Huberty told his wife, "I'm going hunting humans."
Browning P-35 9mm semiautomatic pistol, Winchester 1200 pump-action 12-gauge shotgun, Israeli Military Industries 9mm Model A Carbine (Uzi), and 25-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Huberty was shot and killed by police. |
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June 29, 1984
Dallas, TX
Abdelkrim Belachheb, 39
14-rounds
unknown
6
1
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Ianni's Club
On June 29, 1984, after offending his dancing partner at a Dallas night club, Abdelkrim Belachheb, a Moroccan in the U.S. illegally, left the club and returned with a Smith & Wesson 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with a 14-round large capacity ammunition magazine. He emptied the magazine into his dance partner, reloaded and fired into the crowd. Belachheb killed his dance partner, five others, and wounded one more.
Smith & Wesson (unknown model) 9mm semiautomatic pistol and two 14-round large capacity ammunition magazines.
Belachheb surrendered to police hours later. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. On November 15, 1984, a jury found Belachheb guilty of the six murders. He was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences plus 20 years, and $70,000 in fines.
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* Disclaimer: Information for this database has been compiled from publicly available news sources. Every effort has been made to obtain the most accurate information, however, contradictions may exist between this database and other sources. As the ATF does not require police departments to collect data related to the capacity of a firearm's ammunition magazine, this database is not an exhaustive list of mass shootings involving large capacity ammunition magazines.
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