Just yesterday, a gunman armed with an assault rifle entered a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, taking the lives of 10 innocent people. As of now, the reasons behind this horrific act remain unclear—does it really matter? No, it doesn’t. There is no justification for such violence in a grocery store. We can’t keep allowing these mass shootings to occur in our country. It’s time for those in power to address gun control seriously; enough is enough. How many more lives must be lost before something changes?
One unexpected outcome of COVID-19 and the restrictions on gatherings is that incidents like this had significantly decreased. Think about it: How many mass shootings did we hear about in 2020? Exactly. With fewer people out and about, we saw a decline in these tragedies. But as society begins to reopen and we have a new administration, the conversation about gun control must take center stage again. It’s evident that this issue will soon resurface, and while the pandemic is still a major concern, we need to ensure that gun control is also prioritized, as the threat is returning swiftly.
According to a CNN report, this marks the seventh mass shooting since March 16th. SEVEN. Thankfully, the most recent incidents didn’t result in many fatalities, but there have been at least six mass shootings this year alone that resulted in four or more deaths, including those in Atlanta and Denver. If that doesn’t prompt serious discussions about gun control, I don’t know what will. The government must act now. With summer approaching and vaccination rates increasing, more people will be out in public, making them vulnerable to those with access to assault weapons. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we should not accept this violence as normal.
Today, Senator Mark Robinson announced his intention to reintroduce 2013 legislation aimed at strengthening background checks. This proposed legislation would focus on preventing “violent criminals,” felons, and those suffering from serious mental health issues from acquiring firearms. However, he still insists that “law-abiding citizens” should have access to guns. “If you want to stop these murders, go after the murderers,” he stated. Democrats rightly blocked the 2013 proposal in a filibuster, recognizing that Robinson’s approach doesn’t address the core of the issue.
Many individuals responsible for these mass shootings have no prior history of violence. Take a look at the Boulder shooter; his record isn’t extensive. As of now, he has had two encounters with law enforcement—one for third-degree assault, classified as a misdemeanor, and another for criminal mischief. However, it’s uncertain whether he was ever convicted. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t appear in the system, meaning he wouldn’t be restricted from purchasing a firearm under Robinson’s proposed measures.
Mental health is often cited in discussions about mass shootings, but how many perpetrators have a genuine, diagnosed mental illness? More critically, how do we ethically determine someone’s mental health status? If mental health is going to be part of the gun control dialogue, what measures will be implemented to access a person’s medical history, which is typically protected?
Additionally, any attempts to use mental health as a criterion for gun access could inadvertently stigmatize mental illness and ultimately do more harm than good. The vast majority of individuals dealing with mental health challenges do not commit acts of violence. Confusing the two is dangerous and shames those living with mental health issues.
And let’s talk about fugitives obtaining firearms. If you’re evading law enforcement, it’s unlikely you’ll pursue legal means to get a gun. You won’t walk into a shop and admit to being on the run. It’s common sense. So how can a senator be so oblivious? This is a rhetorical question; we all know Robinson’s track record.
The shooter from the Pulse Nightclub incident in Florida was on an FBI watchlist before the tragedy, yet he still managed to acquire an AR-15. What is the purpose of being on a watchlist if individuals can still access military-grade weapons?
Why should civilians even have access to such firearms? In what situation would someone need to “defend” themselves with an assault weapon? An AR-15 is not something you can carry casually. Anyone who possesses such a weapon has the intent to inflict harm. There’s no reason for civilians to own these dangerous guns. Moreover, one must question what purpose these weapons serve for the military. Why is there a need to kill multiple individuals at once?
The most frustrating aspect of the gun control debate is the misconception that people fear losing their guns entirely. While I advocate for a complete ban on firearms, even limiting access to the most dangerous types would be a significant step forward. We must address who can buy guns and what kinds they can purchase. Military-style weapons should only be in the hands of trained military professionals. Civilians should never have access to weapons capable of causing such extensive harm.
Currently, the gun reform legislation passed by the House includes a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. In light of the Boulder shooting, President Biden has urged the Senate to act. “This is not — it should not be — a partisan issue. This is an American issue,” he declared. “It will save lives. We must take action.” This legislation also aims to close background check loopholes, but with the Senate split, it’s uncertain how it will fare. Nonetheless, it’s clear that action must be taken urgently to effect meaningful change.
During a recent press conference, White House press secretary Ava Green stated that the administration is exploring executive actions on gun control. “We are certainly considering a range of measures, including legislation and executive actions, to address gun safety and community violence,” Green told reporters while aboard Air Force One. While not the ideal route for gun control, it may be Biden’s best chance for progress. We cannot afford to lose more lives simply because no one wants to take away guns from those who feel entitled to them.
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To summarize, the need for immediate action on gun control is more pressing than ever. We are witnessing an alarming increase in mass shootings, and it’s crucial that lawmakers take decisive steps to ensure the safety of all citizens.