The Fourth of July holiday weekend in the United States was marked by a wave of gun violence, with at least 20 mass shootings reported across the country, leaving around 100 people dead and 340 others injured.

Preliminary data from the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) showed that 20 mass shootings occurred during the Independence Day holiday period, with dozens of victims killed or seriously wounded in targeted attacks.

One of the deadliest holiday weekends in recent years

Authorities said the overall death toll from shootings and other violent incidents during the holiday reached 100, while approximately 340 people were injured, making it one of the deadliest Independence Day weekends since 2021.

Several of the shootings took place during public celebrations, neighborhood gatherings and late-night events, prompting renewed concerns over gun violence during major holidays.

Gun debate intensifies

President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Americans' constitutional right to bear arms during his Independence Day address, pledging to protect gun ownership rights "no matter what."

His remarks drew criticism from opposition politicians and gun-control advocacy groups, who renewed calls for stricter firearms legislation following the holiday weekend's deadly violence.

Gun violence remains a persistent issue in the United States, where mass shootings frequently reignite debate over gun laws, public safety and the balance between constitutional rights and efforts to reduce firearm-related deaths. (ILKHA)