How is a mass shooting defined in the U.S.?

There is no exact definition of what a mass shooting is, but the Congressional Research Service defines it as multiple, firearm, homicide incidents, involving 4 or more victims at one or more locations close to one another.

The FBI has a similar definition. Most mass shooting statistics do not include ones undertaken by foreign terrorists.

The term "mass killings" has a similar definition.

Akron shooting: At least 1 dead, 26 wounded at Kelly and 8th avenues incident

How many mass shootings have there been in 2024?

According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been more than 180 mass shootings in the U.S. so far this year, as defined by a minimum of four victims either shot or killed, not including the shooter. That's a lower level year-to-date than some recent years.

Why is there sometimes confusion of what is and isn't a mass shooting?

In 2021, a USA Today opinion piece wrote that the confusion in reporting on mass shootings could stem from the inconsistency of the definition.

For example, Gun Violence Archive began tracking mass shootings differently than the FBI and Congressional Research Service. GVA started classifying a mass shooting as a shooting with four or more victims, but not necessarily killed.

This can sometimes lead to conflicting reports on the number of mass shootings.

Contributing: USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What is considered a mass shooting?