Americas
280 cases
In 2019 and 2020, the Americas had the highest share of assassinations, globally. Assassinations during that time were driven by issues around land and the exploitation of natural resources, but also political competition during elections. Activists, community leaders, indigenous people, and politicians were the main targets. While Colombia and Mexico saw the highest number of recorded assassinations, targeted killings are a major concern throughout the continent.
Main statistics
Political
Local community
Male
Shot
cases by region
Number of cases over time
Featured countries in Americas
distribution of cases by CATEGORY
target group
Local community is the category with the highest incidence of cases, accounting for 32% of them.
motive
Political is the category with the highest incidence of cases, accounting for 46% of them.
method
Shot is the category with the highest incidence of cases, accounting for 85% of them.
perpetrator
Not reported is the category with the highest incidence of cases, accounting for 69% of them.
gender
Male is the category with the highest incidence of cases, accounting for 86% of them.
