It’s no secret that violence and shootings seem to surge in the summertime and the most violent day of the year is here: Independence Day. Historically, Independence Day is also one of the deadliest days of the year when it comes to violence and mass shootings.
According to the Gun Violence Archive — which tracks mass shootings involving four or more people, regardless of whether they died — June, July and August have had the highest total number of mass shootings over the past decade.
Independence Day topped the list over the last 10 years, with 58 mass shootings. July 5 came in as the second biggest day for mass shootings.
A criminologist with Northeastern University said the rising temperatures likely have a lot to do with the spike in violence in the summer. It has been scientifically proven the heat can make people angrier and more aggressive.
But specifically, he said Independence Day is one of the worst days for gun violence, not just because of how hot it is, but because people aren’t working or in school and instead, they are gathering, making it easier to get in arguments or fights. He also said some of that spills over past midnight into July 5, which is why it sees the second highest number of mass shootings each year, historically.
Statistically, mass killings are far more likely to happen at a home. Most often, the victims know the shooter, according to The Associated Press.
Summer officially started on June 20 and in the first week alone, AP said at least eight mass shootings were reported across the country — several of those at large parties.
Overall, of the 10 most violent days of the year, nine are in the heat of summer. The one exception is Jan. 1, as people gather to celebrate the new year.
