Dec 13, 2024 Story by: Editor
Fatal Police Shootings in the U.S.: A Growing Concern
The prevalence of fatal police shootings in the United States continues to rise. By October 22, 2024, 956 civilians had been fatally shot, including 207 Black individuals. In 2023, this number reached 1,164. Alarming disparities persist, with Black Americans experiencing the highest rate of fatal police shootings—6.2 per million people annually between 2015 and October 2024, according to data from Statista.
Police Brutality in America
Since the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, police brutality has remained a contentious issue in the United States. The number of police-related homicides in the U.S. dwarfs those in other countries, such as England, where such incidents are significantly fewer. Statista’s data reveals that Black Americans, despite comprising about 13% of the population, represent a disproportionate percentage of police shooting victims.
The Role of the Black Lives Matter Movement
Established in 2013, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of police brutality. Through “die-ins,” marches, and protests, BLM has highlighted the systemic issues contributing to the killings of Black men and women by law enforcement.
While BLM has sparked debates nationwide, its efforts have brought much-needed attention to the frequency and impact of police shootings. As Statista’s findings illustrate, Black Americans have consistently been overrepresented in fatal police encounters, underscoring the movement’s ongoing relevance. Source: Statista
