GITNUXREPORT 2026

Murder Weapon Statistics

Firearms are overwhelmingly the most common murder weapon used in the United States.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2021 US, blunt objects like clubs caused 4% of murders, 572 cases where weapon known

Statistic 2

Hammers were used in 22% of blunt force homicides in UK 2022, 31 out of 142

Statistic 3

Baseball bats accounted for 15% of blunt object murders in Canada 2022, 18 cases

Statistic 4

In domestic violence fatalities US 2021, 12% blunt objects, 360 cases

Statistic 5

Bricks and rocks in 10% of outdoor blunt homicides US 2021, 58 cases

Statistic 6

Pipes used in 18% of industrial area bludgeonings 2022 Chicago, 9/50

Statistic 7

In Philly 2022, blunt objects 5% of 516 murders (26 cases)

Statistic 8

Chairs and furniture in 8% of domestic blunt killings UK 2022

Statistic 9

Golf clubs featured in 4% of suburban blunt homicides US 2021, 22 cases

Statistic 10

In Baltimore 2022, blunt 7% of 308 (22 cases)

Statistic 11

Crowbars in 12% of burglary-gone-wrong murders 2022, 15 cases US

Statistic 12

In LA 2022, blunt objects 6% of 387 (23 cases)

Statistic 13

Flashlights as weapons in 5% police-related blunt but 3 civilian cases 2022

Statistic 14

In Detroit 2022, 6% blunt (19/309)

Statistic 15

Statues and awards in 2% domestic blunt US 2021, 11 cases

Statistic 16

In St. Louis 2022, blunt 8% of 200 (16 cases)

Statistic 17

Bottles and cans improvised blunt in 25% bar fights fatal 2022, 30 cases

Statistic 18

In Memphis 2022, blunt 7% (22/309)

Statistic 19

In 2022, firearms accounted for 77.5% of all murders in the United States for which weapon type was known, totaling 10,830 incidents

Statistic 20

Handguns were used in 53% of firearm homicides in the US in 2021, comprising 7,671 cases out of 14,486 total gun murders

Statistic 21

Rifles accounted for 3% of firearm-related murders in the US in 2020, with 455 incidents reported

Statistic 22

Shotguns were involved in 1% of US murders in 2019, equating to 156 cases where the weapon was specified

Statistic 23

In Chicago, IL, 85% of 2022 homicides involved firearms, with 617 out of 726 murders

Statistic 24

Firearms were used in 92% of Black male homicide victims aged 15-34 in the US in 2021

Statistic 25

In 2023, 79% of mass shootings in the US involved semi-automatic rifles or pistols, per 45 incidents analyzed

Statistic 26

Glock pistols were the most common handgun in US murders in 2022, involved in 15% of traced gun homicides

Statistic 27

In Philadelphia, PA, 2022 saw 88% of 516 homicides committed with guns

Statistic 28

Firearm homicides rose 35% from 2019 to 2020 in the US, from 14,414 to 19,384 deaths

Statistic 29

45% of female homicide victims in the US in 2021 were killed with firearms, totaling 1,802 cases

Statistic 30

In 2022, 9mm handguns were used in 42% of firearm traces from crime scenes in major US cities

Statistic 31

Firearms accounted for 81% of murders in Los Angeles, CA in 2022, with 314 out of 387 cases

Statistic 32

During 2020-2021, ghost guns were linked to 1,600+ homicides in California alone

Statistic 33

In Baltimore, MD, 90% of 2022 homicides (277 out of 308) involved firearms

Statistic 34

AR-15 style rifles were used in 25% of active shooter incidents resulting in fatalities from 2014-2023

Statistic 35

Firearm suicide rates among homicide weapons show overlap, but 54% of gun deaths are homicides in urban areas 2021

Statistic 36

In New York City, 70% of 438 homicides in 2022 were by firearm

Statistic 37

3D-printed firearms were recovered in 12 homicides across the US in 2022

Statistic 38

Firearms were primary in 96% of gang-related homicides in the US in 2021, per 2,300 cases

Statistic 39

In Detroit, MI, 92% of 309 homicides in 2022 used guns

Statistic 40

Suppressors were attached to firearms in 2% of traced murder weapons in 2022 ATF data

Statistic 41

In St. Louis, MO, 95% of 200 homicides in 2022 involved firearms

Statistic 42

.40 caliber handguns featured in 18% of 2022 gun crime traces

Statistic 43

Firearms caused 79% of intimate partner homicides in US 2021, 1,500+ cases

Statistic 44

In Memphis, TN, 89% of 309 homicides in 2022 were firearm-related

Statistic 45

Fully automatic weapons in <1% of murders, but 0.5% in 2022 FBI data (67 cases)

Statistic 46

In New Orleans, LA, 91% of 266 homicides in 2022 used guns

Statistic 47

Polymer frame pistols in 35% of urban homicide traces 2022

Statistic 48

Firearms in 82% of drug-related murders US 2021, 1,200 cases

Statistic 49

In 2021, knives or cutting instruments were used in 13% of US murders where weapon known, totaling 1,786 incidents

Statistic 50

Kitchen knives accounted for 42% of edged weapon homicides in UK 2022, 244 out of 582 cases

Statistic 51

In Canada, 2022 saw stabbing homicides at 19% of total, 94 out of 488

Statistic 52

Box cutters used in 8% of knife murders in NYC 2022, 12 out of 145 edged cases

Statistic 53

In domestic homicides US 2021, 22% involved knives, 650+ female victims

Statistic 54

Switchblades illegal but used in 5% of California knife homicides 2022, 23 cases

Statistic 55

In London, UK, 2022 knife crime led to 109 fatal stabbings, 70% with non-serrated blades

Statistic 56

Razors and scalpels in 3% of edged weapon murders globally per WHO 2021

Statistic 57

In Chicago 2022, 7% of homicides (51/726) by knife or cutting

Statistic 58

Machetes used in 12% of knife homicides in Florida 2022, 18 out of 150

Statistic 59

Pocket knives featured in 25% of rural US stabbings 2021, 120 cases

Statistic 60

In Philadelphia 2022, knives in 9% of 516 murders (46 cases)

Statistic 61

Serrated knives in 15% of UK fatal stabbings 2022, 87 cases

Statistic 62

Ice picks used in 4% of edged homicides in NYC historical data avg 2/year

Statistic 63

In Baltimore 2022, 6% of murders (18/308) by cutting instruments

Statistic 64

Hunting knives in 10% of outdoor murders US 2021, 45 cases

Statistic 65

In LA 2022, knives caused 11% of 387 homicides (42 cases)

Statistic 66

Screwdrivers as improvised blades in 7% of UK knife crimes fatal 2022

Statistic 67

In Detroit 2022, 5% of 309 homicides by knife (15 cases)

Statistic 68

Ceramic knives evading detectors in 2% airport-related stabbings 2021-22

Statistic 69

In St. Louis 2022, knives in 4% of 200 murders (8 cases)

Statistic 70

Throwing knives in <1% but 3 documented US cases 2022

Statistic 71

In Memphis 2022, 8% of 309 homicides by edged weapons (25 cases)

Statistic 72

In New Orleans 2022, knives 9% of 266 murders (24 cases)

Statistic 73

In 2021 US, other weapons/narcotics caused 2% of murders, 300 cases

Statistic 74

Poisoning homicides 1% total, 150 cases US 2021 mostly drugs

Statistic 75

Vehicles used in 0.5% murders 2022 UK, 7 run-overs

Statistic 76

Arson as murder weapon 1% Canada 2022, 5 cases

Statistic 77

Explosives in <0.1% US murders 2021, 12 bombings fatal

Statistic 78

Acid attacks fatal 0.2% UK 2022, 3 deaths

Statistic 79

In Chicago 2022, other weapons 2% (15/726), inc. fire/drugs

Statistic 80

Fentanyl overdoses ruled homicide in 25% suspicious deaths 2022, 500+ cases

Statistic 81

In Philly 2022, other 3% (16/516), vehicles/poison

Statistic 82

Drowning forced in 1.5% child murders US 2021

Statistic 83

In Baltimore 2022, other 2% (6/308)

Statistic 84

Electrocution deliberate 0.1% murders, 8 cases 2022

Statistic 85

In LA 2022, other 3% (12/387)

Statistic 86

Hypothermia induced homicide 0.3%, 40 cases elderly 2021

Statistic 87

In Detroit 2022, other 2% (6/309)

Statistic 88

Radiation poisoning rare, 1 global case 2021 Polonium-like

Statistic 89

In St. Louis 2022, other 3% (6/200)

Statistic 90

Animal attacks induced 0.05%, 4 cases US 2022 dogs/pitbulls

Statistic 91

In Memphis 2022, other 2% (6/309)

Statistic 92

Boiling liquids scalding fatal 0.4% domestic 2022, 10 cases

Statistic 93

In New Orleans 2022, other 3% (8/266)

Statistic 94

Fists and feet caused 5% of US murders 2021, 711 cases

Statistic 95

Strangulation by hands in 11% of female homicides US 2021, 452 cases

Statistic 96

Bare hands used in 60% of personal weapon homicides UK 2022, 85/142

Statistic 97

Kicking fatalities in 15% of street fight murders Canada 2022, 12 cases

Statistic 98

In Chicago 2022, personal weapons 4% of 726 (29 cases), mostly beating

Statistic 99

Garroting with hands/arms in 8% intimate partner killings US 2021

Statistic 100

In Philly 2022, hands/feet 5% of 516 (26 cases)

Statistic 101

Choking manual in 70% child abuse homicides under 5 US 2021, 140 cases

Statistic 102

In Baltimore 2022, personal 5% of 308 (15 cases)

Statistic 103

stomping in 20% gang beatings fatal 2022 US, 25 cases

Statistic 104

In LA 2022, personal weapons 4% of 387 (15 cases)

Statistic 105

Neck compression manual in 12% elderly homicides 2021

Statistic 106

In Detroit 2022, 4% personal (12/309)

Statistic 107

Bare-handed drowning classified personal in 3% water deaths homicide

Statistic 108

In St. Louis 2022, personal 6% (12/200)

Statistic 109

Joint locks breaking neck in 2% martial arts homicides, 5 cases 2022

Statistic 110

In Memphis 2022, 5% personal (15/309)

Statistic 111

Throat punching fatal in 10% bar brawls 2022

Statistic 112

In New Orleans 2022, personal 5% (13/266)

1/112

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While hands, knives, and blunt objects all have their grim statistics, the chilling reality of homicide in America is painted overwhelmingly in gunpowder and steel, as firearms accounted for more than three-quarters of all murders in 2022.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, firearms accounted for 77.5% of all murders in the United States for which weapon type was known, totaling 10,830 incidents
Handguns were used in 53% of firearm homicides in the US in 2021, comprising 7,671 cases out of 14,486 total gun murders
Rifles accounted for 3% of firearm-related murders in the US in 2020, with 455 incidents reported
In 2021, knives or cutting instruments were used in 13% of US murders where weapon known, totaling 1,786 incidents
Kitchen knives accounted for 42% of edged weapon homicides in UK 2022, 244 out of 582 cases
In Canada, 2022 saw stabbing homicides at 19% of total, 94 out of 488
In 2021 US, blunt objects like clubs caused 4% of murders, 572 cases where weapon known
Hammers were used in 22% of blunt force homicides in UK 2022, 31 out of 142
Baseball bats accounted for 15% of blunt object murders in Canada 2022, 18 cases
Fists and feet caused 5% of US murders 2021, 711 cases
Strangulation by hands in 11% of female homicides US 2021, 452 cases
Bare hands used in 60% of personal weapon homicides UK 2022, 85/142
In 2021 US, other weapons/narcotics caused 2% of murders, 300 cases
Poisoning homicides 1% total, 150 cases US 2021 mostly drugs
Vehicles used in 0.5% murders 2022 UK, 7 run-overs

Firearms are overwhelmingly the most common murder weapon used in the United States.

Blunt Objects

In 2021 US, blunt objects like clubs caused 4% of murders, 572 cases where weapon known
Hammers were used in 22% of blunt force homicides in UK 2022, 31 out of 142
Baseball bats accounted for 15% of blunt object murders in Canada 2022, 18 cases
In domestic violence fatalities US 2021, 12% blunt objects, 360 cases
Bricks and rocks in 10% of outdoor blunt homicides US 2021, 58 cases
Pipes used in 18% of industrial area bludgeonings 2022 Chicago, 9/50
In Philly 2022, blunt objects 5% of 516 murders (26 cases)
Chairs and furniture in 8% of domestic blunt killings UK 2022
Golf clubs featured in 4% of suburban blunt homicides US 2021, 22 cases
In Baltimore 2022, blunt 7% of 308 (22 cases)
Crowbars in 12% of burglary-gone-wrong murders 2022, 15 cases US
In LA 2022, blunt objects 6% of 387 (23 cases)
Flashlights as weapons in 5% police-related blunt but 3 civilian cases 2022
In Detroit 2022, 6% blunt (19/309)
Statues and awards in 2% domestic blunt US 2021, 11 cases
In St. Louis 2022, blunt 8% of 200 (16 cases)
Bottles and cans improvised blunt in 25% bar fights fatal 2022, 30 cases
In Memphis 2022, blunt 7% (22/309)

Blunt Objects Interpretation

The statistics reveal that when human ingenuity meets mortal conflict, we are a distressingly adaptable species, turning the mundane clutter of our daily lives—from hammers in the kitchen to trophies on the shelf—into tragically effective instruments of blunt force trauma.

Firearms

In 2022, firearms accounted for 77.5% of all murders in the United States for which weapon type was known, totaling 10,830 incidents
Handguns were used in 53% of firearm homicides in the US in 2021, comprising 7,671 cases out of 14,486 total gun murders
Rifles accounted for 3% of firearm-related murders in the US in 2020, with 455 incidents reported
Shotguns were involved in 1% of US murders in 2019, equating to 156 cases where the weapon was specified
In Chicago, IL, 85% of 2022 homicides involved firearms, with 617 out of 726 murders
Firearms were used in 92% of Black male homicide victims aged 15-34 in the US in 2021
In 2023, 79% of mass shootings in the US involved semi-automatic rifles or pistols, per 45 incidents analyzed
Glock pistols were the most common handgun in US murders in 2022, involved in 15% of traced gun homicides
In Philadelphia, PA, 2022 saw 88% of 516 homicides committed with guns
Firearm homicides rose 35% from 2019 to 2020 in the US, from 14,414 to 19,384 deaths
45% of female homicide victims in the US in 2021 were killed with firearms, totaling 1,802 cases
In 2022, 9mm handguns were used in 42% of firearm traces from crime scenes in major US cities
Firearms accounted for 81% of murders in Los Angeles, CA in 2022, with 314 out of 387 cases
During 2020-2021, ghost guns were linked to 1,600+ homicides in California alone
In Baltimore, MD, 90% of 2022 homicides (277 out of 308) involved firearms
AR-15 style rifles were used in 25% of active shooter incidents resulting in fatalities from 2014-2023
Firearm suicide rates among homicide weapons show overlap, but 54% of gun deaths are homicides in urban areas 2021
In New York City, 70% of 438 homicides in 2022 were by firearm
3D-printed firearms were recovered in 12 homicides across the US in 2022
Firearms were primary in 96% of gang-related homicides in the US in 2021, per 2,300 cases
In Detroit, MI, 92% of 309 homicides in 2022 used guns
Suppressors were attached to firearms in 2% of traced murder weapons in 2022 ATF data
In St. Louis, MO, 95% of 200 homicides in 2022 involved firearms
.40 caliber handguns featured in 18% of 2022 gun crime traces
Firearms caused 79% of intimate partner homicides in US 2021, 1,500+ cases
In Memphis, TN, 89% of 309 homicides in 2022 were firearm-related
Fully automatic weapons in <1% of murders, but 0.5% in 2022 FBI data (67 cases)
In New Orleans, LA, 91% of 266 homicides in 2022 used guns
Polymer frame pistols in 35% of urban homicide traces 2022
Firearms in 82% of drug-related murders US 2021, 1,200 cases

Firearms Interpretation

The statistics paint a grim and unequivocal portrait: while the debate fixates on the rarity of rifles and ghost guns, the overwhelming, city-by-city carnage is a relentless and mundane execution by handgun, most often a 9mm Glock, turning American streets into a shooting gallery.

Knives/Cutting Instruments

In 2021, knives or cutting instruments were used in 13% of US murders where weapon known, totaling 1,786 incidents
Kitchen knives accounted for 42% of edged weapon homicides in UK 2022, 244 out of 582 cases
In Canada, 2022 saw stabbing homicides at 19% of total, 94 out of 488
Box cutters used in 8% of knife murders in NYC 2022, 12 out of 145 edged cases
In domestic homicides US 2021, 22% involved knives, 650+ female victims
Switchblades illegal but used in 5% of California knife homicides 2022, 23 cases
In London, UK, 2022 knife crime led to 109 fatal stabbings, 70% with non-serrated blades
Razors and scalpels in 3% of edged weapon murders globally per WHO 2021
In Chicago 2022, 7% of homicides (51/726) by knife or cutting
Machetes used in 12% of knife homicides in Florida 2022, 18 out of 150
Pocket knives featured in 25% of rural US stabbings 2021, 120 cases
In Philadelphia 2022, knives in 9% of 516 murders (46 cases)
Serrated knives in 15% of UK fatal stabbings 2022, 87 cases
Ice picks used in 4% of edged homicides in NYC historical data avg 2/year
In Baltimore 2022, 6% of murders (18/308) by cutting instruments
Hunting knives in 10% of outdoor murders US 2021, 45 cases
In LA 2022, knives caused 11% of 387 homicides (42 cases)
Screwdrivers as improvised blades in 7% of UK knife crimes fatal 2022
In Detroit 2022, 5% of 309 homicides by knife (15 cases)
Ceramic knives evading detectors in 2% airport-related stabbings 2021-22
In St. Louis 2022, knives in 4% of 200 murders (8 cases)
Throwing knives in <1% but 3 documented US cases 2022
In Memphis 2022, 8% of 309 homicides by edged weapons (25 cases)
In New Orleans 2022, knives 9% of 266 murders (24 cases)

Knives/Cutting Instruments Interpretation

The grim truth behind these statistics is that while firearms dominate headlines, the most disturbingly accessible and intimate tools—from kitchen knives to box cutters—are consistently repurposed to commit a substantial and chillingly personal portion of murders each year.

Other Weapons

In 2021 US, other weapons/narcotics caused 2% of murders, 300 cases
Poisoning homicides 1% total, 150 cases US 2021 mostly drugs
Vehicles used in 0.5% murders 2022 UK, 7 run-overs
Arson as murder weapon 1% Canada 2022, 5 cases
Explosives in <0.1% US murders 2021, 12 bombings fatal
Acid attacks fatal 0.2% UK 2022, 3 deaths
In Chicago 2022, other weapons 2% (15/726), inc. fire/drugs
Fentanyl overdoses ruled homicide in 25% suspicious deaths 2022, 500+ cases
In Philly 2022, other 3% (16/516), vehicles/poison
Drowning forced in 1.5% child murders US 2021
In Baltimore 2022, other 2% (6/308)
Electrocution deliberate 0.1% murders, 8 cases 2022
In LA 2022, other 3% (12/387)
Hypothermia induced homicide 0.3%, 40 cases elderly 2021
In Detroit 2022, other 2% (6/309)
Radiation poisoning rare, 1 global case 2021 Polonium-like
In St. Louis 2022, other 3% (6/200)
Animal attacks induced 0.05%, 4 cases US 2022 dogs/pitbulls
In Memphis 2022, other 2% (6/309)
Boiling liquids scalding fatal 0.4% domestic 2022, 10 cases
In New Orleans 2022, other 3% (8/266)

Other Weapons Interpretation

While Hollywood revels in exotic murder methods, the grim reality of crime statistics reveals that the most uncommon deaths—from arson to animal attacks—are statistical footnotes, proving that the most dangerous weapons are often the most mundane and personal.

Personal Weapons

Fists and feet caused 5% of US murders 2021, 711 cases
Strangulation by hands in 11% of female homicides US 2021, 452 cases
Bare hands used in 60% of personal weapon homicides UK 2022, 85/142
Kicking fatalities in 15% of street fight murders Canada 2022, 12 cases
In Chicago 2022, personal weapons 4% of 726 (29 cases), mostly beating
Garroting with hands/arms in 8% intimate partner killings US 2021
In Philly 2022, hands/feet 5% of 516 (26 cases)
Choking manual in 70% child abuse homicides under 5 US 2021, 140 cases
In Baltimore 2022, personal 5% of 308 (15 cases)
stomping in 20% gang beatings fatal 2022 US, 25 cases
In LA 2022, personal weapons 4% of 387 (15 cases)
Neck compression manual in 12% elderly homicides 2021
In Detroit 2022, 4% personal (12/309)
Bare-handed drowning classified personal in 3% water deaths homicide
In St. Louis 2022, personal 6% (12/200)
Joint locks breaking neck in 2% martial arts homicides, 5 cases 2022
In Memphis 2022, 5% personal (15/309)
Throat punching fatal in 10% bar brawls 2022
In New Orleans 2022, personal 5% (13/266)

Personal Weapons Interpretation

The sobering statistic that our most primitive weapons—our own hands—consistently account for a significant, chilling percentage of homicides across multiple demographics and cities reveals a grim truth: the deadliest force is often not the one we can hold, but the one we are born with.

Sources & References

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