Drive-by shootings

Random killing

Nature

The firing of a gun from a moving vehicle, called "drive-by shooting", is responsible for the death and maiming of innocent people and for an acute sense of insecurity in many neighbourhoods that are often not otherwise visibly touched by criminal activities. Drive-by shootings are not necessarily related to gang warfare or any other previously recognized form of organized crime. They are often random and unpredictable, thus increasing the fear they inspire.

Background

Drive-by shootings emerged as a recognized global concern in the late 20th century, initially drawing attention in the United States during the 1980s amid escalating gang violence. Media coverage and law enforcement reports highlighted their spread to urban centers worldwide, revealing patterns of organized crime, youth involvement, and community trauma. International studies and cross-border incidents have since underscored the transnational nature of drive-by shootings, prompting increased research and policy responses.

Incidence

There were 3500 drive-by shootings in Los Angeles in 1992. In southern California increasing attention is being given to the design of buildings, such as public schools, so as to make them less vulnerable to drive-by shootings.