Introduction
The annual rate of homicides using firearms in the United States, the highest among high-income countries, has been linked to effortless access to guns as a significant contributing factor. It is crucial to recognize that the ease of access to weapons significantly influences the occurrence of firearm-related murders in the United States. In addition, compared to other countries with statistics available, the United States has a greater yearly rate of suicides from shootings (Linkins).
The third-highest annual rate of homicides and suicides involving weapons is found in the United States (Gramlich). The third point is the U.S. has the world’s highest per-capita gun ownership rate, and this high gun ownership rate is a factor in the nation’s disproportionately high rates of gun violence (Gramlich). These factors make research on the use of pistols in the United States relevant and in demand.
The Debate Over Gun Control in the US
A large number of people who own firearms has been identified as a contributing factor to high rates of gun violence in the nation. The issue of gun ownership and access is a crucial step in reducing the incidence of shooting incidents in the United States. The issue of gun control in the United States is a complex and highly divisive one, with two main perspectives: citizens who advocate for stricter regulations to reduce gun violence and those who are concerned with protecting the Second Amendment as they see it.
It is important to note that not all who support the Second Amendment oppose gun control, and not all who support it are seeking to abolish or undermine the Second Amendment. However, some view any effort to reform gun control as an attack on the Second Amendment, which can further contribute to the polarization of the issue.
Given that the gunman had a history of mental health problems yet nonetheless obtained his pistol lawfully, the shooting triggered a national debate on gun regulation. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida, occurred on February 14, 2018, and resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals (Shapiro et al.). The March for Our Lives campaign, which supports tighter gun control laws, including widespread background checks and a prohibition on assault weapons, was founded by the survivors.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 43,539 gun-related occurrences in 2021 alone, which led to 11,406 fatalities and 23,450 injuries. (Barney et al., 2019) In the first 21 weeks of 2022, 213 mass shootings, including 27 school shootings, according to a report from National Public Radio on Wednesday (Linkins).
Many of the recent mass shootings were done by people who, owing to mental illness or a criminal past, shouldn’t have had access to firearms in the first place. People likely have high access to all firearms except military rifles (Barney et al.). Results show that university and school students with access to guns are much less likely to have undergone official gun safety training.
There is a rising movement among gun owners to encourage responsible gun ownership and safe storage techniques to reduce suicides and to educate people on how to store firearms more safely. Children may learn what to do if they come across a firearm through the “Eddie Eagle” gun safety program offered by the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Conclusion
With conflicting views on the causes of gun violence and potential remedies, the debate over gun regulation in the United States continues to be very contentious. However, there may be common ground on improving background checks and encouraging responsible gun ownership. Ultimately, fewer gun-related fatalities and injuries should be the goal. Continuing the conversation and looking for common ground is crucial to solve this ongoing issue.
Works Cited
Barney, David J., and Brian F. Schaffner. “Reexamining The Effect of Mass Shootings on Public Support for Gun Control.” British Journal of Political Science vol. 49, no.4, 2019, pp. 1555-1565.
Gramlich, John. What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S. Pew research Center. 2023. Web.
Linkins, Jason. “Too Many Guns = Too Many Deaths.” St. Louis Community College. Web.
Shapiro, Emily et al. Parkland school shooting 5 years later: Remembering the 17 victims. Abc News. 2023. Web.