Mass Killings & MassacresLists about mass murders that shook the world due to place & time, the nature of the victims, the weapons used, and the sheer scope of the crimes.
Too many lives are lost to mass shootings, terrorist attacks, and other acts of violence each year. Attacks caused by religion, anger, or political motivations leave our nation grieving. It sometimes seems like no place is entirely safe from mass killings. Airports, movie theaters, and even churches have been targets.
While it's difficult to grapple with such material, in order to commemorate the lives lost, this list of mass shootings covers all the violent incidents that occurred in 2018. As mass murders are becoming increasingly the norm, documenting the 2018 mass shootings can people stay aware of a massive public safety issue in our country. See the list of mass shootings in 2019 for more up-to-date news.
This is a list of the deadliest mass killings of the year. We offer the deepest condolences to all those affected.
On November 7, a gunman opened fire in a Thousand Oaks, CA bar—leaving 12 dead and injuring at least 20 others. The gunman was identified as Marine veteran David Ian Long, who entered the bar late Wednesday wearing a hood and mask. Long reportedly opened fire for three straight minutes before heading into an office where he was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As for the motivation, officials believe Long was not targeting the bar, nor the patrons inside. Among the 12 fatally wounded was Sheriff's Sgt. Ron Helus.
A Shooting In Tallahassee Left Four Wounded And The Assailant Dead
A number of people have been taken away in ambulances, according to police. https://t.co/QYQ0tXiU4B
On November 2, 2018, an unidentified shooter left four wounded after opening fire at a hot yoga studio in Tallahassee, FL. One man attempted to stop the assailant, but the shooter pistol-whipped him and then took his own life with the gun.
"No act of gun violence is acceptable," said Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum. "I'm in close communication with law enforcement officials and will be returning to Tallahassee tonight."
Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Leaves 11 Dead
"The attack at a #Pittsburgh synagogue represents a flagrant challenge to America's core values — that people of every race or religion are endowed with the same inalienable rights." https://t.co/fvSSby1McB
On October 27, 2018, 46-year-old Robert Bowers entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA and opened fire, killing 11 people. As he entered the synagogue, Bowers began screaming anti-Semitic slurs as he began firing at those inside. In addition to the 11 fatalities, several others were injured by the gunshots, including four police officers.
After firing back and forth with officers, Bowers was taken down and brought to Allegheny General Hospital for his injuries. Following surgery, Bowers remained in the hospital under security before being discharged. Bowers was set to appear in court Monday, October 29. In addition to being charged with 11 counts of homicide and multiple accounts of attempted homicide and aggravated assault, Bowers will also be charged with federal hate crimes. In court paper work, Bowers is reported to have stated he "wanted all the Jews to die."
On October 17, 2018, an 18-year-old student went on a shooting spree at a technical school in Crimea, killing at least 18 people, including himself. There was also an explosion at the school.
The shooter, identified by Russian authorities as Bladislav Roslyakov, was a fourth-year student at the school. At least 40 people were injured during the shooting and blast, which exploded in the school's cafeteria.
Many of the victims were students at the institution. Russian President Vladimir Putin put out a statement on the act, saying, "The motives and theories of this tragedy are thoroughly investigated. The public will be informed about the results of this effort by the law enforcement agencies and special services."
Three People Died After A Woman Attacked A Rite Aid Distribution Center
On September 20, 2018, a woman killed three people and injured at least two others after opening fire at a Rite Aid distribution center in Aberdeen, MD. The suspect, whose identity was not released, used a single handgun, according to Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler. Gahler also said no law enforcement officials fired shots.
The suspect went to a local hospital in critical condition, but Gahler declined to say how she was injured.
A Gunman Opened Fire In Cincinnati's Fountain Square, Killing At Least Four
On September 6, 2018, a gunman killed at least four people and injured two others at the Fifth Third Center in Cincinnati's Fountain. The death toll also includes the suspect. The motivation behind the shooting is still unknown.
The gunman started shooting around 9 am after entering a loading dock. He then moved into the building's lobby, where three or four police officers attempted to thwart his efforts. They exchanged gunfire.
"This is not normal, and it shouldn't be viewed as normal. This is abnormal. No other industrialized country has this level of active multiple shootings on a regular basis. I think there's something deeply sick at work here," Mayor John Cranley said at a news conference.
