University Of Michigan Study Estimates Seven Percent Of US Adults Have Contemplated Shooting Another Person

A University of Michigan study explores the prevalence of violent ideation and identifies key intervention points to prevent firearm injuries.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 12:18 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan

Mapping the Prevalence of Violent Ideation in America

The scale of firearm-related violence in the United States may be rooted in a surprisingly broad base of violent ideation, according to new research from the University of Michigan. A study of over 7,000 adults found that 7.2% of Americans—equivalent to roughly 19.4 million people—have thought about shooting another person at some point in their lives. While thoughts do not always result in action, the sheer volume of individuals experiencing these impulses represents a significant public health challenge. Brian Hicks, a professor of psychiatry at U-M Medical School, emphasizes that while the majority of people with these thoughts never act on them, the small percentage who do contributes to tens of thousands of injuries and fatalities annually.

Demographic Drivers and Social Patterns of Risk

The study identified distinct demographic patterns among those reporting thoughts of shooting others. Men were significantly more likely than women to experience these thoughts, as were younger individuals and those residing in urban or Midwestern environments. Notably, the researchers found that Black Americans and individuals with household incomes under $50,000 reported higher rates of these thoughts within the past year. Hicks points out the tragic context of these statistics, noting that Black Americans are currently six times more likely to be victims of homicide than white Americans. Despite these demographic variances, the study found no significant differences in violent ideation based on political ideology.

Target Identification and Premeditated Behaviors

When asked to specify the targets of their ideation, over half of the respondents pointed toward an "enemy," while a quarter identified strangers, such as individuals encountered during public conflicts. Additionally, 14% mentioned government officials, and roughly 10% cited family members or romantic partners. The transition from thought to potential action was evidenced by the 8% of individuals who admitted to bringing a firearm to a specific location with the intent to carry out a shooting. Among those who did not currently own a gun, 21% admitted to considering a firearm purchase specifically to fulfill their thoughts of shooting someone.