Shooting at North Carolina 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Shooting at North Carolina in America 2025

The landscape of gun violence in North Carolina during 2025 continues to present significant public health and safety challenges for communities across the state. While comprehensive year-end data for 2025 remains incomplete as federal agencies typically release annual statistics with considerable delays, available evidence from the first eleven months indicates notable shifts in both the frequency and nature of shooting incidents compared to previous years. Based on tracking by the Gun Violence Archive, North Carolina has experienced four mass shootings in 2025 through November, representing a substantial decrease from the 15 mass shootings documented in 2024 and the 33 incidents recorded in 2023. This downward trend in mass casualty events, however, tells only part of the story, as individual shooting incidents, domestic violence-related firearms deaths, and suicide by firearm continue to affect thousands of residents statewide.

The most recent complete data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in 2023, approximately 1,800 people died from gun-related injuries in North Carolina, with a rate of about 16.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This represents a 39% increase in the rate of gun deaths from 2014 to 2023, outpacing the 33% national increase during the same period. The state ranked 12th highest in gun homicide rate nationally in 2023, with firearms being the leading cause of death among young people ages 1-17. As 2025 progresses, early indicators suggest that while mass shooting events have declined, the underlying epidemic of firearm violence through homicides, suicides, and accidental discharges continues to impact North Carolina communities, particularly affecting Black and American Indian populations disproportionately in homicide rates, while white populations experience higher rates of gun suicide.

Interesting Stats & Facts About Shooting at North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: Gun Violence Archive, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, USAFacts, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Everytown for Gun Safety

The data reveals a complex picture of gun violence in North Carolina during 2025. While the number of mass shootings has decreased dramatically with only four incidents documented through November compared to previous years, each event has resulted in significant casualties and community trauma. The Southport shooting on September 27 stands as the deadliest single incident, when a gunman opened fire from a boat at the American Fish Company waterfront bar, killing three people and injuring six others. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge, was arrested shortly after and charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder. Most victims in this attack were tourists visiting the coastal town. The Hickory shooting in June demonstrated the particular danger of large gatherings, with at least 80 shots fired at a house party, resulting in one death and 11 injuries, with victims ranging in age from as young as 16 years old. The incident occurred in a normally quiet residential neighborhood in southwest Catawba County.

The most recent major incident occurred on November 21, 2025, at Concord’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where four people were injured in a shooting that police described as a conflict between two individuals who knew each other rather than a random attack on the public. Three suspects were identified, including 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic and a juvenile, both of whom were among the shooting victims and remained hospitalized in critical condition. Despite this tragedy, city officials proceeded with the annual Christmas parade the following day, with Mayor Bill Dusch emphasizing community resilience. These incidents underscore how gun violence can erupt at community celebrations and family-friendly events, creating widespread fear and disrupting the social fabric of North Carolina communities. The October Halloween party shooting in Robeson County near Maxton resulted in two deaths and 11 injuries, with authorities reporting that some attendees were not cooperating with the investigation, hampering efforts to bring suspects to justice.

Historical Comparison of Shooting Deaths in North Carolina 2019-2025

Data Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC WONDER Database), Gun Violence Archive, North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, USAFacts, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions

The historical trend data demonstrates a concerning upward trajectory in firearm deaths across North Carolina from 2019 through 2023, with the total number of gun-related deaths increasing by approximately 29% over this five-year period. The gun death rate per 100,000 residents rose from 13.2 in 2019 to 16.4 in 2023, representing a 24% increase that outpaced national trends. The year 2020 marked a particularly significant turning point, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, when unintentional firearm death rates increased 51.7% and homicides increased 30.3% compared to 2019. This surge continued into 2021 with unintentional firearm deaths rising another 47.8%, while the overall firearm death count reached approximately 1,650 deaths. The pandemic period saw dramatic increases across all categories of gun violence, with firearm purchases surging and social stresses contributing to elevated rates of both interpersonal violence and self-harm.

The data on mass shooting incidents shows a remarkable reversal in recent years. After reaching a peak of 33 mass shooting events in 2023, North Carolina experienced a significant decline to 15 incidents in 2024 and just four documented mass shootings through November 2025. This 88% reduction from 2023 to 2025 represents one of the most dramatic decreases in mass casualty events in the state’s recent history. However, experts caution that while mass shootings garner significant public attention, they represent only a small fraction of total gun violence. The youth firearm death statistics are particularly alarming, with North Carolina experiencing a 120.8% increase in firearm-related death rates among youth from 2019 through 2021. In 2021 alone, 121 children aged 17 and younger died from firearms, with 83% of deaths among children ages 15-17 involving firearms in either suicide or homicide. Nearly all homicides of children over age 4 involved firearms at 93%, highlighting how gun violence has become the leading cause of death for young people in the state, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.

Intent Behind Firearm Deaths in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System (NC-VDRS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, North Carolina Division of Public Health Injury and Violence Prevention Branch

The breakdown of firearm deaths by intent reveals the multifaceted nature of gun violence in North Carolina, with suicide accounting for the majority at 55% of all gun-related deaths in 2023. This proportion has remained relatively consistent over the past several years, though the absolute numbers have increased substantially. Firearm suicide disproportionately affects white populations, particularly white males aged 55-74, who accounted for nearly one-quarter of all gun suicide victims. White non-Hispanic North Carolinians experienced the highest firearm suicide rate in 2021 at 11.6 per 100,000 population, though they had the lowest rate increase during the pandemic period at 4.7% from 2019 to 2021. In contrast, Hispanic victims experienced the greatest firearm suicide rate increase during this period at 167.9%, suggesting emerging patterns that warrant targeted prevention efforts. The 2021 suicide rate for children ages 10 to 17 was the highest in two decades, rising from 2.1 deaths per 100,000 children to 5.7, surpassing the national rate which rose more slowly from 2.9 to 5.1.

Gun homicides comprise 43% of firearm deaths and disproportionately impact communities of color. Black North Carolinians suffer the highest number of homicide deaths, accounting for 67% of 2018 homicides despite representing a smaller percentage of the state’s population. Black males between ages 15-34 are at highest risk, experiencing firearm homicide rates approximately four times higher than other demographic groups. American Indian and Alaska Native populations in North Carolina experienced the highest age-adjusted homicide rate in seven of the eleven years examined in state reports, despite having among the lowest absolute numbers of deaths. From 2019 to 2020, gun homicides increased dramatically by 30.3%, though the rate of increase slowed to 3.6% from 2020 to 2021, suggesting some stabilization after the initial pandemic surge. The unintentional firearm death category, while representing only approximately 2% of total gun deaths, showed the most dramatic proportional increases during the pandemic period, rising 51.7% in 2020 and another 47.8% in 2021. Youth are disproportionately represented in unintentional firearm deaths, making up 32% of such fatalities despite comprising only 24% of the state’s population, with 2023 seeing the highest number of unintentional shootings by children since tracking began in 2015, totaling over 400 incidents nationally with 108 occurring in North Carolina from 2015-2023.

Major Documented Shooting Incidents in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: Gun Violence Archive, Local law enforcement agencies, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Southport Police Department, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Concord Police Department, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office

The four mass shooting incidents documented in North Carolina during 2025 each tell distinct stories about the varied circumstances under which gun violence erupts in the state. The Southport shooting on September 27 stands out as the most calculated and deadly attack, with 40-year-old Nigel Max Edge arrested and charged with three counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder after opening fire from a boat on patrons at the American Fish Company waterfront bar. The attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. when Edge’s boat paused briefly outside the outdoor bar and he discharged an assault rifle, specifically a .300 Blackout short-barreled SIG Sauer MCX Rattler rifle with suppressor, before fleeing up the Intracoastal Waterway. The U.S. Coast Guard detained him approximately 30 minutes later at a public boat ramp in Oak Island. Three victims were killed: Michael Durbin (a respected Ohio philanthropist), Joy Rogers (described by her husband as someone who “lived up to her name” with her radiant spirit), and Solomon Banjo (an executive in healthcare technology). The district attorney indicated his office was seeking “maximum justice” and had not ruled out pursuing the death penalty.

The Hickory shooting on June 1, 2025, demonstrated the deadly consequences when disputes escalate at large social gatherings. At least 80 shots were fired at a house party in southwest Catawba County beginning around 12:45 a.m., killing 58-year-old Shawn Patrick Hood of Lenoir and injuring 11 others ranging in age from 16 to 58 years old. The crime scene spanned several properties covering approximately two acres and included both outdoor and indoor areas. Major Aaron Turk of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office noted that about two hours before the shooting, someone had complained about noise from the party and deputies had responded, though investigators did not believe the noise complaint was the motivation for the shooting. Despite extensive investigation involving the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Hickory Police Department, no arrests had been made as of November 2025. The Concord shooting on November 21 disrupted the city’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony around 7:30 p.m., injuring four people in what police described as a conflict between two individuals who knew each other rather than a random attack. Police identified 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic as one shooter, who remained hospitalized in critical condition facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill and inciting a riot, while a second juvenile suspect also hospitalized in critical condition faced similar charges through the juvenile justice system.

Domestic Violence and Firearms in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, North Carolina Division of Public Health

The intersection of domestic violence and firearms remains a critical concern in North Carolina during 2025, with numerous cases documented throughout the year where guns were used in intimate partner violence situations. In 2022, the most recent year with complete data, there were at least 119 domestic violence-related homicides in North Carolina, with 60% committed using firearms, resulting in 71 deaths. Through 2025, multiple murder-suicide cases have been documented where perpetrators used firearms to kill intimate partners or family members before taking their own lives. Notable incidents include the February 19, 2025 case in Kannapolis where Rafael Lopez, 51, allegedly killed his stepdaughter Yamilaine Sosa-Julian, 19, and her mother/his wife in a firearm-related murder-suicide. On March 5, 2025, in Moncure, Randy Lee Smith, 64, allegedly killed his wife Linda Christine Smith, 63, before taking his own life with a firearm.

One of the most tragic domestic violence incidents occurred on June 24, 2025, in Garner, where Shannon Collins, 49, killed his two sons Jet Collins, 13, and River Collins, 15, with a firearm before taking his own life while their mother was attempting to file a protective order the morning after a domestic violence incident at their home. This case highlights the extreme danger present when firearms are accessible during domestic disputes and during periods when victims are attempting to leave dangerous relationships. Research consistently shows that the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%, and women in the United States are 21 times more likely to be killed with a gun than women in other high-income countries. Additional 2025 cases include the April 7 murder-suicide in Castle Hayne where Avelino Jaimes-Acuna allegedly shot and killed his ex-partner Aurora Rosendo Ortega, 35, with a firearm, while Aurora’s 18-year-old son Santiago was also shot while trying to protect his mother, though he survived his injuries. Throughout 2025, the pattern remained consistent with firearms being the weapon of choice in the majority of domestic violence homicides, affecting victims across all 100 North Carolina counties with particularly high rates in rural areas where access to domestic violence services may be more limited.

Youth and Firearms in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, North Carolina Department of Public Safety Division of Juvenile Justice, North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Everytown for Gun Safety, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions

The impact of gun violence on youth in North Carolina represents one of the most concerning aspects of the firearms crisis, with firearms becoming the leading cause of death among young people ages 1-17 in 2023. The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force reported that in 2021, 121 children aged 17 and younger died from firearm injuries, representing a 120.8% increase in the firearm-related death rate among youth from 2019 through 2021. This dramatic surge coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic but reflects longer-term trends in youth access to firearms and escalating violence affecting young people. Of particular concern is that 83% of deaths among children ages 15-17 occurred in firearm-related suicides or homicides, demonstrating how guns have become the weapon of choice in youth violence and self-harm. Nearly all homicides of children over age 4 involved firearms at 93%, underscoring how pervasive gun violence has become in affecting the youngest North Carolinians.

Youth suicide by firearm reached historic highs, with the 2021 suicide rate for children ages 10 to 17 representing the highest level in two decades. The rate rose from 2.1 deaths per 100,000 children to 5.7, exceeding the national rate which increased more slowly from 2.9 to 5.1. In 2021, 12 children ages 10-14 and 19 children ages 15-17 died by firearm suicide, with firearms used in more than 70% of all youth suicides that year. Recent data from the North Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that the percentage of high school students reporting feeling sad or hopeless rose from 28% to 43% over the past decade, while LGBQ+ students in North Carolina schools were approximately three times as likely as their heterosexual peers to report seriously considering suicide, making a suicide plan, or attempting suicide. The issue of unintentional shootings by children has also reached crisis levels, with 2023 seeing the highest number of incidents since tracking began in 2015, totaling over 400 incidents nationally. North Carolina experienced 108 unintentional shootings by children from 2015-2023, with these incidents largely occurring in and around homes and during weekends and summer months when children are most likely to be home. Handguns account for the bulk of gun types accessed by children in these shootings, pointing to the critical importance of secure firearm storage practices, with research showing that states with strong storage laws have significantly lower rates of unintentional shootings by children.

Geographic Distribution of Shootings in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Gun Violence Archive, Local law enforcement agencies, Everytown for Gun Safety

The geographic distribution of shooting incidents across North Carolina in 2025 reveals that gun violence affects communities of all sizes and demographics, from small coastal towns to major metropolitan areas. The four mass shooting incidents occurred in diverse settings: the coastal tourist destination of Southport in Brunswick County, the small city of Hickory in Catawba County, the suburban community of Concord in Cabarrus County near Charlotte, and the rural area of Maxton in Robeson County. Brunswick County, with a population of approximately 145,000, typically experiences higher-than-average firearm death rates for a county of its size, and the September Southport shooting represented the deadliest single incident in the county’s recent history. The attack occurred in the historic Yacht Basin entertainment district, an area that draws over 850,000 visits annually and serves as a major tourism driver for the region. The fact that most victims were tourists rather than local residents highlighted the random nature of the violence and its potential economic impact on the community.

Robeson County consistently ranks among the counties with the highest firearm death rates in North Carolina, reflecting challenges common to rural areas including poverty, limited access to mental health services, and historical patterns of violence. The October 25 Halloween party shooting in Maxton that killed 2 and injured 11 followed familiar patterns of large gatherings in the county where disputes escalate to mass casualty events. Law enforcement noted that witness cooperation has been a persistent challenge in Robeson County, with the sheriff mentioning a similar unsolved shooting from a year or two earlier where attendees also refused to cooperate. Catawba County and Cabarrus County represent different demographic profiles, with Hickory serving as a small urban center of approximately 160,000 residents and Concord functioning as a suburban community of about 220,000 in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. Both experienced shootings that disrupted community events in typically safe neighborhoods. The major metropolitan areas of Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) and Raleigh (Wake County), while not experiencing mass shooting events in 2025, continued to see numerous individual shooting incidents throughout the year. Mecklenburg County, with over 1.1 million residents, consistently records above-average firearm death rates and the highest absolute numbers of gun homicides in the state, while Wake County maintains below-average rates despite its large population, suggesting that urbanization alone does not determine gun violence levels and that local policies and community factors play significant roles.

Economic and Social Impact of Gun Violence in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: RTI International, North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Everytown for Gun Safety, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, Local economic development offices

The economic and social costs of gun violence in North Carolina extend far beyond the immediate tragedy of lives lost and injured, creating rippling effects throughout communities and the state economy. RTI International estimates that deaths and injuries due to gun violence cost North Carolina $19.5 billion annually, a staggering figure that exceeds the state’s entire education budget of $11.9 billion allocated for the 2022-23 year. This $19.5 billion represents approximately $1,800 per North Carolina resident or about $4,600 per household when distributed across the state’s population. The direct medical costs associated with treating gunshot wounds represent only a fraction of this total, with emergency surgery, intensive care, rehabilitation, and long-term care for survivors requiring substantial healthcare resources. Victims without adequate insurance often face medical bankruptcy or leave hospitals with unpaid bills that shift costs to other patients and taxpayers. Rural areas face particular challenges as many counties lack Level I or Level II trauma centers capable of treating the most severe gunshot injuries, requiring lengthy ambulance or helicopter transports that reduce survival chances.

The indirect costs of gun violence often exceed direct medical expenses, with lost productivity representing a massive economic burden. When working-age adults are killed or permanently disabled by gun violence, the economy loses decades of potential economic contribution, affecting not only the victims’ families but also employers and communities. Survivors of gun violence frequently face chronic pain, mobility limitations, and mental health challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that limit their ability to return to work or maintain employment. The criminal justice costs associated with investigating shootings, prosecuting offenders, and incarcerating those convicted consume substantial public resources, with North Carolina spending millions annually on police overtime, forensic services, court proceedings, and correctional facilities related to gun violence cases. Following the 2025 mass shooting incidents, specific communities experienced measurable economic impacts. The American Fish Company in Southport and another local restaurant, the Frying Pan, closed until October 31 following the September shooting, representing weeks of lost revenue and wages for dozens of employees. The attack on the waterfront entertainment district, which draws over 850,000 annual visits, raised concerns about tourism impacts in a community heavily dependent on visitor spending. The Concord Christmas tree lighting shooting on November 21 forced the cancellation of the remainder of that evening’s festivities, though city officials proceeded with the annual Christmas parade the following day, balancing public safety concerns with the desire to demonstrate community resilience and avoid further economic disruption to downtown merchants during the critical holiday shopping season.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Shooting Deaths North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Everytown for Gun Safety

The stark racial and ethnic disparities in gun violence reveal profound inequities in who bears the burden of firearm deaths in North Carolina. Black residents of the state experience firearm homicide at rates dramatically higher than other groups, with a rate of 31.2 per 100,000 in 2021 compared to just 2.4 per 100,000 for white residents, representing a thirteen-fold difference. This disparity exists despite Black residents comprising approximately 22% of North Carolina’s population. In 2018, Black North Carolinians accounted for 67% of homicide deaths in the state, with the burden falling especially heavily on Black males between ages 15-34, who experience firearm homicide at rates approximately four times higher than other demographic groups. The firearm homicide rate increase from 2019 to 2021 was also most pronounced for Black residents at 45.3%, suggesting the pandemic period exacerbated existing inequalities. These disparities reflect decades of systemic factors including residential segregation, concentrated poverty, limited economic opportunities, underfunded schools, and historical disinvestment in predominantly Black communities that create conditions where violence becomes more likely.

American Indian and Alaska Native populations in North Carolina face unique challenges, experiencing the highest age-adjusted homicide rate in seven of the eleven years examined in state reports. With a firearm suicide rate of 6.7 per 100,000 and a 34.1% increase in firearm suicide rates from 2019 to 2021, these communities face threats from both interpersonal violence and self-harm. The relatively small population size of American Indian and Alaska Native residents in North Carolina means that even a handful of deaths can produce high rates, but the consistency of elevated rates over many years indicates genuine disparities requiring targeted intervention. White non-Hispanic residents experience the opposite pattern, with firearm suicide representing the primary threat at a rate of 11.6 per 100,000, nearly four times higher than their homicide rate. White males ages 55-74 are at particular risk, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all gun suicide victims. The Hispanic/Latino population showed the most dramatic change during the pandemic period, with firearm suicide rates increasing 167.9% from 2019 to 2021, rising from 2.5 per 100,000 to significantly higher levels, though they remained below rates for white residents. This alarming trend may reflect pandemic-related stresses including job loss in industries heavily employing Hispanic workers, language barriers in accessing mental health services, immigration-related fears, and social isolation.

Age Distribution of Shooting Victims in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force, Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions

The age distribution of shooting victims in North Carolina reveals distinct patterns across the lifespan, with different age groups facing different primary threats from firearms. The youngest children, ages 0-4, face relatively low absolute numbers of gun deaths but those that occur are particularly tragic, often involving either unintentional shootings when toddlers access loaded firearms or intentional harm during domestic violence incidents. Children ages 5-9 continue to face minimal risk overall, though unintentional shootings remain a concern, with most incidents occurring in homes where firearms were not properly secured with trigger locks or in gun safes. The risk profile changes dramatically for children ages 10-14, where suicide emerges as a growing concern, with 12 deaths in this age group in 2021 representing part of a broader mental health crisis affecting young people. The suicide rate for children ages 10 to 17 rose from 2.1 deaths per 100,000 children to 5.7, exceeding the national rate and representing the highest level in two decades.

Adolescents ages 15-17 face the highest gun violence risk among youth, with 83% of deaths in this age group occurring in firearm-related suicides or homicides, and 93% of homicides involving firearms. Young adults ages 18-24 and 25-34 together account for approximately 35% of all gun deaths in North Carolina, with homicide predominating in these age groups, particularly among young Black males living in urban areas. The circumstances often involve community violence, disputes related to drug trade, retaliatory shootings, and conflicts that escalate due to easy firearm access. Adults ages 35-54 experience both homicides and suicides at significant rates, with domestic violence featuring prominently in homicide deaths and economic stress, relationship problems, and substance abuse contributing to suicides. The oldest age groups, particularly those 55 and older, experience firearm suicide at the highest rates of any age category, with white males in these age groups at particular risk. Men ages 55-74 accounted for nearly one-quarter of all gun suicide victims, and rates continue to climb with age, reflecting challenges associated with retirement, declining health, loss of independence, and grief following the death of spouses or friends. The 75+ age group, while representing only about 5% of total gun deaths, experiences very high per-capita suicide rates, often in the context of terminal illness, severe pain, cognitive decline, or profound social isolation.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Factors North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Mental health conditions and substance abuse play significant roles in many firearm deaths in North Carolina, though the relationship is complex and often misunderstood. Approximately 50% of individuals who died by firearm suicide in the state showed signs of depressed mood in the weeks or months before their death, whether or not they had received a formal clinical diagnosis. About 40% had a documented mental health diagnosis, most commonly major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety disorders. However, it is critical to note that the vast majority of people with mental illness never engage in violence toward themselves or others, and people with serious mental illness are actually more likely to be victims rather than perpetrators of violence. The connection between mental illness and gun violence is primarily through suicide rather than homicide, with approximately 90% of people who die by suicide having a diagnosable mental health or substance abuse disorder. The presence of a firearm during a suicidal crisis dramatically increases the likelihood of death, as firearms are the most lethal suicide method with approximately 85-90% of attempts resulting in death compared to 3% for drug overdose attempts.

Substance abuse, particularly alcohol abuse, is documented in a significant percentage of both firearm suicides and homicides in North Carolina. Alcohol intoxication at the time of death is common, with toxicology reports frequently showing blood alcohol levels well above the legal driving limit. Chronic alcoholism appears as a contributing factor in many cases, often intertwined with depression, relationship problems, employment difficulties, and health issues. The opioid epidemic has also left its mark on gun violence patterns, with individuals struggling with addiction facing elevated suicide risk due to the despair associated with addiction, social isolation, and the physical effects of substance abuse. Young adults ages 18-34 show growing involvement with stimulant drugs including methamphetamine and cocaine in circumstances surrounding gun violence. Approximately 30% of firearm suicides follow a recent crisis such as relationship breakdown, job loss, legal problems, arrest, or serious health diagnosis. These crises can trigger acute suicidal ideation in vulnerable individuals, and when firearms are readily accessible, the time between the decision to attempt suicide and the act can be measured in minutes, leaving little opportunity for intervention or reconsideration. Research shows that most people who survive serious suicide attempts do not go on to die by suicide later, underscoring the importance of means reduction—making it harder for people in crisis to access lethal methods like firearms through safe storage practices and extreme risk protection orders.

Firearm Types Used in Shooting Incidents North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), North Carolina Violent Death Reporting System, Gun Violence Archive, Law enforcement agencies, Everytown for Gun Safety

Handguns and pistols dominate firearm violence in North Carolina, accounting for approximately 70-75% of all shooting incidents based on national patterns that closely mirror state trends. These weapons are particularly prevalent in urban homicides, where their concealability makes them the weapon of choice for individuals carrying firearms in public. Handguns are also the most common firearm type used in domestic violence homicides, where the weapon may be kept in the home and used impulsively during an argument or assault. In suicide deaths, handguns are frequently used due to their accessibility and perceived effectiveness, with many suicide victims using firearms that were already in their home. The unintentional shootings by children documented from 2015-2023 predominantly involved handguns, as these weapons are more likely to be stored loaded and accessible compared to long guns. The ease of acquiring handguns through multiple pathways contributes to their prevalence in gun violence—individuals can purchase handguns from federally licensed dealers after passing a background check, though North Carolina does not require a permit to purchase handguns as of 2023 when the state repealed its pistol purchase permit law.

Assault-style rifles, while representing a smaller percentage of overall gun violence, have featured prominently in mass shooting incidents including the September 2025 Southport attack where the perpetrator used a .300 Blackout short-barreled SIG Sauer MCX Rattler rifle with suppressor. These semi-automatic rifles, often modeled after military weapons, can accept high-capacity magazines allowing shooters to fire many rounds without reloading, increasing casualty counts in mass shooting events. North Carolina has no state-level ban on assault weapons or high-capacity magazines, though federal law regulates certain features and prohibits new fully automatic weapons for civilian purchase. The accessibility of these weapons in North Carolina and the lack of waiting periods or permit requirements for rifle purchases means individuals can acquire powerful firearms relatively easily. Shotguns account for approximately 5-10% of gun deaths, appearing most frequently in rural suicides where they may be the most readily available firearm type in homes used for hunting. Rifles excluding assault-style variants also represent 5-10% of incidents, primarily in rural areas and in hunting-related accidents, though they also appear in some domestic violence homicides and suicides. Approximately 10-15% of shooting incidents involve unknown or unreported firearm types, typically in cases where the weapon was not recovered at the scene or investigations are ongoing.

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Response North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, North Carolina District Attorneys, Local law enforcement agencies, North Carolina General Assembly

Law enforcement response to the four mass shooting incidents in 2025 involved coordination among multiple agencies at local, state, and federal levels. In the Southport shooting on September 27, police arrested the suspect Nigel Max Edge within 30 minutes of the attack, with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard who detained him at a public boat ramp in Oak Island after he fled by water. The investigation involved the Southport Police Department, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and FBI, reflecting the serious nature of the incident and the multiple jurisdictions involved. District Attorney Jon David indicated his office was seeking “maximum justice” and explicitly stated they had not ruled out pursuing the death penalty against Edge, who faces three counts of first-degree murder and five counts of attempted first-degree murder. The Concord shooting on November 21 resulted in the identification of three suspects including 18-year-old Nasir Ahmad Bostic and a juvenile, both of whom were among the injured and remained hospitalized in critical condition facing serious charges.

The Hickory and Maxton shootings, by contrast, have proven more difficult to solve, with no arrests announced as of late November 2025 despite extensive investigations. The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office noted that the Hickory shooting crime scene spanned approximately two acres across multiple properties with both indoor and outdoor components, creating significant forensic challenges. Major Aaron Turk mentioned that investigators collected extensive evidence and conducted numerous interviews, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and Hickory Police Department, but acknowledged the complexity of the case. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office faced similar challenges in the Maxton Halloween party shooting, with Sheriff Burnis Wilkins publicly expressing frustration that some attendees were not cooperating with the investigation, referencing a similar unsolved shooting from a year or two earlier where witnesses also refused to provide information. This lack of cooperation stems from multiple factors including distrust of law enforcement in some communities, fear of retaliation, cultural codes against “snitching,” and concerns about one’s own legal exposure. These investigative challenges highlight broader issues in addressing gun violence, as even when law enforcement responds rapidly and dedicates significant resources, successful prosecution depends on witness cooperation and evidence that can be difficult to secure.

Gun Laws and Regulations in North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina General Assembly, Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association

North Carolina’s gun laws in 2025 remain among the more permissive in the nation, particularly following the 2023 repeal of the century-old pistol purchase permit requirement. This permit system, established in 1919, had required individuals purchasing handguns from private sellers to first obtain a permit from their local sheriff, who would conduct a background check and verify the applicant’s eligibility to possess firearms. The repeal, which took effect despite Governor Roy Cooper’s veto being overridden by the Republican-controlled legislature, eliminated what gun control advocates considered an important safeguard beyond federal background checks, as sheriffs had discretion to deny permits to individuals they determined posed a danger even if they would pass a federal background check. Research from other states suggests that repeal of permit-to-purchase laws is associated with increases in gun homicides, with one study finding that Missouri experienced a 25% increase in firearm homicides following its repeal of a similar law. The loss of this requirement is particularly concerning given that private sales, which occur at gun shows, through online advertisements, and between individuals, are not subject to federal background check requirements, creating what advocates call the “private sale loophole” or “gun show loophole.”

North Carolina requires individuals to obtain a concealed carry permit from their local sheriff to carry hidden handguns in public, but this permit requires only minimal training and is shall-issue, meaning sheriffs must grant the permit if statutory requirements are met. Open carry of firearms remains legal without any permit, allowing individuals to carry visible handguns in most public places. The state has no assault weapon ban, no high-capacity magazine restrictions, and no waiting periods for firearm purchases. Perhaps most critically, North Carolina lacks an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) law or “red flag law,” which would allow family members or law enforcement to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals showing signs of being a danger to themselves or others. Such laws have been implemented in 21 states and the District of Columbia and research suggests they can reduce suicides significantly. The state also has no comprehensive safe storage law, though there is a limited child access prevention statute that imposes misdemeanor penalties if a child gains access to a firearm and causes harm. Federal restrictions on firearm possession by individuals convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors or subject to domestic violence protective orders apply in North Carolina, though enforcement challenges persist due to gaps in reporting and database incompleteness.

Legislative Developments and Policy Debates North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina General Assembly, Governor’s Office, NRA-ILA, Giffords Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, MomsRising North Carolina

The 2025 legislative session in North Carolina has been dominated by efforts to expand gun rights, with Senate Bill 50 and its companion House Bill 5 representing the most significant proposed changes to the state’s firearm laws. The bills, known as “Freedom to Carry NC” and the “North Carolina Constitutional Carry Act” respectively, would eliminate the requirement that individuals obtain a concealed carry permit to carry hidden handguns in public. Governor Josh Stein vetoed Senate Bill 50 on June 20, 2025, stating that the bill “makes North Carolinians less safe and undermines responsible gun ownership” because it eliminates training requirements and reduces the minimum age to carry a concealed weapon from 21 to 18 years old. In his veto message, Governor Stein emphasized that “authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous” and that the bill “would make the job of a law enforcement officer more difficult and less safe.” The North Carolina Senate voted on July 29, 2025, to override the governor’s veto, but as of November 2025, the House had not yet voted on the override, meaning the existing permit requirement remains in effect.

Law enforcement leaders across North Carolina have strongly opposed the permitless carry legislation, breaking with typical political alignments to speak out against the bills. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood stated he is “and always has been an advocate of the Second Amendment, and if anything the permitting process creates an enhancement to the Second Amendment. This bill is counterproductive to the public safety of North Carolinians.” Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead commended Governor Stein for the veto, noting that the legislation “would have made it harder, not easier, for law enforcement to keep our communities safe.” Gun safety advocacy groups including MomsRising North Carolina and Students Demand Action have mobilized opposition, with Jessica Burroughs of MomsRising stating that “lawmakers want to remove another barrier ensuring responsible gun ownership, including for people as young as 18, is unacceptable, and moms think that’s outrageous.” Student activists like Anusha Yadav, who leads her school’s chapter of Students Demand Action in Durham, have pointed out that “time and time again, legislators are not properly addressing what we see to be as a life or death situation, because these guns can impact us, not only at our homes but also in our schools,” calling for focus on safe storage laws instead. The National Rifle Association supports the constitutional carry concept but has noted that both S50 and H5 “have some pitfalls that could entrap well intentioned gun owners,” as the bills create scenarios where individuals could lawfully purchase and possess firearms but be prohibited from carrying them for self-defense purposes.

Community Response and Prevention Efforts North Carolina 2025

Data Sources: North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Local government agencies, Community-based organizations, Cure Violence model implementers, North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Community-based violence prevention efforts in North Carolina have expanded during 2025, with multiple cities implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce shootings and support affected communities. Charlotte operates one of the state’s most comprehensive violence interruption programs, modeled on the Cure Violence approach, which treats violence as a contagious disease that can be interrupted through targeted interventions by “credible messengers”—individuals from the affected communities who have often themselves been involved in violence in the past.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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