Handguns lead in murder weapons

Handguns are the most common murder weapon with 7,936 victims, indicating a significant reliance on firearms for committing homicides in the U.S. in 2022.

Firearms, unspecified, rank second

Firearms, where the type was not stated, resulted in 5,704 murders, underscoring the prevalent role of guns in violent deaths, even when specific types are not identified.

Knives or cutting instruments are the third most used

Knives or cutting instruments were responsible for 1,630 murders, showing that close-contact weapons still play a major role in violent crimes.

Personal weapons also deadly

Personal weapons, such as hands, fists, and feet, caused 665 murders, highlighting the lethal potential of physical assaults without weapons.

Rifles involved in over 500 homicides

Rifles were used in 541 murders, which, despite being a smaller figure compared to handguns, indicates their significant impact on violence.

Other guns and blunt objects contribute to homicide rates

Other guns and blunt objects led to 422 and 367 murders, respectively, pointing to a diverse arsenal employed in violent acts.

Narcotics and shotguns nearly equal in murder counts

Narcotics and shotguns were nearly equal in the number of murder victims, with 187 and 186, respectively, illustrating varied methods of homicide beyond traditional weapons.

Asphyxiation and fire cause under 100 murders each

Asphyxiation and fire were responsible for 98 and 94 murders, respectively, showing less frequent but still notable uses in homicides.

Rare methods: Strangulation, poison, drowning, and explosives

Strangulation, poison, drowning, and explosives had significantly lower counts, with 20, 15, 3, and 1 murder victims, respectively, highlighting the rarity of these methods in homicides.

Unspecified weapons account for over a thousand victims

Other weapons or weapons not stated were involved in 1,327 murders, indicating a substantial number of homicides where the weapon type remains unclear or varied.