Firearms account for 77.5% of US murders in 2022 when weapon type is known, with 10,830 incidents recorded. Knives account for 13% of US murders in 2021 where the weapon was identified, totaling 1,786 cases. Across motives and settings, the numbers show how common tools shape case descriptions and charging decisions.
Key Takeaways
- In 2021 US, blunt objects like clubs caused 4% of murders, 572 cases where weapon known
- In 2022, firearms accounted for 77.5% of all murders in the United States for which weapon type was known, totaling 10,830 incidents
- In 2021, knives or cutting instruments were used in 13% of US murders where weapon known, totaling 1,786 incidents
- In 2021 US, other weapons/narcotics caused 2% of murders, 300 cases
- Fists and feet caused 5% of US murders 2021, 711 cases
Murder weapon use trends show certain tools dominate, making prevention efforts crucial where they are most common.
Related reading
01 · Category
Blunt Objects18 stats
01
In 2021 US, blunt objects like clubs caused 4% of murders, 572 cases where weapon known
02
Hammers were used in 22% of blunt force homicides in UK 2022, 31 out of 142
03
Baseball bats accounted for 15% of blunt object murders in Canada 2022, 18 cases
04
In domestic violence fatalities US 2021, 12% blunt objects, 360 cases
05
Bricks and rocks in 10% of outdoor blunt homicides US 2021, 58 cases
06
Pipes used in 18% of industrial area bludgeonings 2022 Chicago, 9/50
07
In Philly 2022, blunt objects 5% of 516 murders (26 cases)
08
Chairs and furniture in 8% of domestic blunt killings UK 2022
09
Golf clubs featured in 4% of suburban blunt homicides US 2021, 22 cases
10
In Baltimore 2022, blunt 7% of 308 (22 cases)
11
Crowbars in 12% of burglary-gone-wrong murders 2022, 15 cases US
12
In LA 2022, blunt objects 6% of 387 (23 cases)
13
Flashlights as weapons in 5% police-related blunt but 3 civilian cases 2022
14
In Detroit 2022, 6% blunt (19/309)
15
Statues and awards in 2% domestic blunt US 2021, 11 cases
16
In St. Louis 2022, blunt 8% of 200 (16 cases)
17
Bottles and cans improvised blunt in 25% bar fights fatal 2022, 30 cases
18
In Memphis 2022, blunt 7% (22/309)
Interpretation
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.
02 · Category
Firearms30 stats
01
In 2022, firearms accounted for 77.5% of all murders in the United States for which weapon type was known, totaling 10,830 incidents
02
Handguns were used in 53% of firearm homicides in the US in 2021, comprising 7,671 cases out of 14,486 total gun murders
03
Rifles accounted for 3% of firearm-related murders in the US in 2020, with 455 incidents reported
04
Shotguns were involved in 1% of US murders in 2019, equating to 156 cases where the weapon was specified
05
In Chicago, IL, 85% of 2022 homicides involved firearms, with 617 out of 726 murders
06
Firearms were used in 92% of Black male homicide victims aged 15-34 in the US in 2021
07
In 2023, 79% of mass shootings in the US involved semi-automatic rifles or pistols, per 45 incidents analyzed
08
Glock pistols were the most common handgun in US murders in 2022, involved in 15% of traced gun homicides
09
In Philadelphia, PA, 2022 saw 88% of 516 homicides committed with guns
10
Firearm homicides rose 35% from 2019 to 2020 in the US, from 14,414 to 19,384 deaths
11
45% of female homicide victims in the US in 2021 were killed with firearms, totaling 1,802 cases
12
In 2022, 9mm handguns were used in 42% of firearm traces from crime scenes in major US cities
13
Firearms accounted for 81% of murders in Los Angeles, CA in 2022, with 314 out of 387 cases
14
During 2020-2021, ghost guns were linked to 1,600+ homicides in California alone
15
In Baltimore, MD, 90% of 2022 homicides (277 out of 308) involved firearms
16
AR-15 style rifles were used in 25% of active shooter incidents resulting in fatalities from 2014-2023
17
Firearm suicide rates among homicide weapons show overlap, but 54% of gun deaths are homicides in urban areas 2021
18
In New York City, 70% of 438 homicides in 2022 were by firearm
19
3D-printed firearms were recovered in 12 homicides across the US in 2022
20
Firearms were primary in 96% of gang-related homicides in the US in 2021, per 2,300 cases
21
In Detroit, MI, 92% of 309 homicides in 2022 used guns
22
Suppressors were attached to firearms in 2% of traced murder weapons in 2022 ATF data
23
In St. Louis, MO, 95% of 200 homicides in 2022 involved firearms
24
.40 caliber handguns featured in 18% of 2022 gun crime traces
25
Firearms caused 79% of intimate partner homicides in US 2021, 1,500+ cases
26
In Memphis, TN, 89% of 309 homicides in 2022 were firearm-related
27
Fully automatic weapons in <1% of murders, but 0.5% in 2022 FBI data (67 cases)
28
In New Orleans, LA, 91% of 266 homicides in 2022 used guns
29
Polymer frame pistols in 35% of urban homicide traces 2022
30
Firearms in 82% of drug-related murders US 2021, 1,200 cases
Interpretation
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.
03 · Category
Knives/Cutting Instruments24 stats
01
In 2021, knives or cutting instruments were used in 13% of US murders where weapon known, totaling 1,786 incidents
02
Kitchen knives accounted for 42% of edged weapon homicides in UK 2022, 244 out of 582 cases
03
In Canada, 2022 saw stabbing homicides at 19% of total, 94 out of 488
04
Box cutters used in 8% of knife murders in NYC 2022, 12 out of 145 edged cases
05
In domestic homicides US 2021, 22% involved knives, 650+ female victims
06
Switchblades illegal but used in 5% of California knife homicides 2022, 23 cases
07
In London, UK, 2022 knife crime led to 109 fatal stabbings, 70% with non-serrated blades
08
Razors and scalpels in 3% of edged weapon murders globally per WHO 2021
09
In Chicago 2022, 7% of homicides (51/726) by knife or cutting
10
Machetes used in 12% of knife homicides in Florida 2022, 18 out of 150
11
Pocket knives featured in 25% of rural US stabbings 2021, 120 cases
12
In Philadelphia 2022, knives in 9% of 516 murders (46 cases)
13
Serrated knives in 15% of UK fatal stabbings 2022, 87 cases
14
Ice picks used in 4% of edged homicides in NYC historical data avg 2/year
15
In Baltimore 2022, 6% of murders (18/308) by cutting instruments
16
Hunting knives in 10% of outdoor murders US 2021, 45 cases
17
In LA 2022, knives caused 11% of 387 homicides (42 cases)
18
Screwdrivers as improvised blades in 7% of UK knife crimes fatal 2022
19
In Detroit 2022, 5% of 309 homicides by knife (15 cases)
20
Ceramic knives evading detectors in 2% airport-related stabbings 2021-22
21
In St. Louis 2022, knives in 4% of 200 murders (8 cases)
22
Throwing knives in <1% but 3 documented US cases 2022
23
In Memphis 2022, 8% of 309 homicides by edged weapons (25 cases)
24
In New Orleans 2022, knives 9% of 266 murders (24 cases)
Interpretation
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.
More related reading
04 · Category
Other Weapons21 stats
01
In 2021 US, other weapons/narcotics caused 2% of murders, 300 cases
02
Poisoning homicides 1% total, 150 cases US 2021 mostly drugs
03
Vehicles used in 0.5% murders 2022 UK, 7 run-overs
04
Arson as murder weapon 1% Canada 2022, 5 cases
05
Explosives in <0.1% US murders 2021, 12 bombings fatal
06
Acid attacks fatal 0.2% UK 2022, 3 deaths
07
In Chicago 2022, other weapons 2% (15/726), inc. fire/drugs
08
Fentanyl overdoses ruled homicide in 25% suspicious deaths 2022, 500+ cases
09
In Philly 2022, other 3% (16/516), vehicles/poison
10
Drowning forced in 1.5% child murders US 2021
11
In Baltimore 2022, other 2% (6/308)
12
Electrocution deliberate 0.1% murders, 8 cases 2022
13
In LA 2022, other 3% (12/387)
14
Hypothermia induced homicide 0.3%, 40 cases elderly 2021
15
In Detroit 2022, other 2% (6/309)
16
Radiation poisoning rare, 1 global case 2021 Polonium-like
17
In St. Louis 2022, other 3% (6/200)
18
Animal attacks induced 0.05%, 4 cases US 2022 dogs/pitbulls
19
In Memphis 2022, other 2% (6/309)
20
Boiling liquids scalding fatal 0.4% domestic 2022, 10 cases
21
In New Orleans 2022, other 3% (8/266)
Interpretation
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.
05 · Category
Personal Weapons19 stats
01
Fists and feet caused 5% of US murders 2021, 711 cases
02
Strangulation by hands in 11% of female homicides US 2021, 452 cases
03
Bare hands used in 60% of personal weapon homicides UK 2022, 85/142
04
Kicking fatalities in 15% of street fight murders Canada 2022, 12 cases
05
In Chicago 2022, personal weapons 4% of 726 (29 cases), mostly beating
06
Garroting with hands/arms in 8% intimate partner killings US 2021
07
In Philly 2022, hands/feet 5% of 516 (26 cases)
08
Choking manual in 70% child abuse homicides under 5 US 2021, 140 cases
09
In Baltimore 2022, personal 5% of 308 (15 cases)
10
stomping in 20% gang beatings fatal 2022 US, 25 cases
11
In LA 2022, personal weapons 4% of 387 (15 cases)
12
Neck compression manual in 12% elderly homicides 2021
13
In Detroit 2022, 4% personal (12/309)
14
Bare-handed drowning classified personal in 3% water deaths homicide
15
In St. Louis 2022, personal 6% (12/200)
16
Joint locks breaking neck in 2% martial arts homicides, 5 cases 2022
17
In Memphis 2022, 5% personal (15/309)
18
Throat punching fatal in 10% bar brawls 2022
19
In New Orleans 2022, personal 5% (13/266)
Interpretation
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.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Alexander Schmidt. (2026, February 13). Murder Weapon Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/murder-weapon-statistics
MLA
Alexander Schmidt. "Murder Weapon Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/murder-weapon-statistics.
Chicago
Alexander Schmidt. 2026. "Murder Weapon Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/murder-weapon-statistics.
Sources & references
37 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level