We are now witnessing gun violence not merely as a growing concern but as a full-blown epidemic. There is no escaping its grasp, even in seemingly safe neighborhoods. I reside in the suburbs, yet my husband was shot while picking up our children from school on a Monday afternoon. This crisis knows no boundaries. It is imperative that we take action.
The recent 4th of July weekend underscored this reality, with CNN reporting over 230 gun-related fatalities across the U.S. It was a grim milestone, with the Chicago Sun-Times labeling it the most violent weekend of 2021. Among the injured were 104 individuals, including 19 fatalities and 13 children. The violence is affecting our youth, and this has to stop.
In St. Louis, rated the second most dangerous city in the U.S. in 2020, four children were shot in just 10 hours during the holiday weekend. This brings the total to 52 minors, aged 17 and under, shot this year. In Norfolk, VA, a 15-year-old assailant shot four children under 17, who, fortunately, survived. The alarming trend of children accessing firearms must be addressed!
Beyond urban areas, a tragic incident unfolded at a quiet country club in Kennesaw, GA, where golf pro Mark Simmons was fatally shot after questioning a driver who had trespassed on the green. His body was discovered near the 10th hole, alongside two other men found in the truck of the assailant, who remains at large without any known motive.
This represents just a snapshot of the escalating violence in our nation. As of July 7, the Gun Violence Archive reports 20,466 gun-related deaths in 2021 alone. Alarmingly, the numbers from 2020 indicated nearly 25,000 fatalities, and we are on track to surpass this in the current year.
Experts suggest we are enduring tumultuous times due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty it has created. Many people are without jobs, grieving lost loved ones, and grappling with health concerns. Paul Carrillo, the Community Violence Initiative Director at the Giffords Law Center, expressed concern about the potential for conflict as people re-enter society, particularly among youth who have relied on social media to manage conflicts during the pandemic.
So, how do we address this situation?
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to combating this violence and removing firearms from our streets. In April, they outlined six initial steps to tackle the issue, which has reached alarming levels. Some of these steps include:
- A proposed rule by the Justice Department to curtail the spread of “ghost guns,” which are easily manufactured by criminals and difficult to trace once used in crimes.
- New regulations to classify stabilizing braces that can convert pistols into short-barreled rifles.
- Introduction of “red flag” laws, allowing family and law enforcement to prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms.
- Investment in community violence interventions, which have proven effective in reducing urban crime without resorting to incarceration.
- An updated report on firearms trafficking to inform policymakers about current illegal channels.
- The nomination of a new director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), a position that has been vacant since 2015.
The Biden-Harris Administration is taking the issue of gun violence seriously, and it is crucial for us to support efforts for stricter laws to ensure that weapons do not fall into the hands of those intent on causing harm. Gun violence can affect anyone, anywhere, and we must be vigilant in safeguarding not just ourselves, but also the future of our children.
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Summary: Gun violence in the U.S. is at epidemic levels, with over 200 fatalities reported last weekend alone. The Biden-Harris Administration has outlined steps to address this issue, including proposed regulations on firearms and community intervention strategies. It is vital for citizens to advocate for stricter gun laws to protect our communities and future generations.