In 2018, numerous communities across the United States have been devastated by tragic school shootings, culminating in Santa Fe, Texas, where ten lives were lost due to an act of violence. Disturbingly, the number of fatalities in educational institutions this year has exceeded those of U.S. military personnel, both in combat and non-combat roles. According to reports, even when excluding the deaths of non-students, such as teachers, the casualties from school shootings still surpass military figures, as noted by the Washington Post.
The alarming statistics are heavily influenced by the tragic event at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, which claimed 17 lives. Following the initial report, it was clarified by Jared Collins, editor at Task & Purpose, that the Department of Defense may not always provide a complete account of accidental deaths due to concerns over operational security. Nonetheless, the data still reveals a stark reality: school shootings have resulted in more casualties than military incidents this year.
Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, over 400 children have been victims of gun violence across 200 schools in the U.S., according to the New York Times. The frequency of these occurrences has averaged about five school shootings monthly, encompassing events that do not classify as mass shootings—defined as incidents with over four individuals shot. This statistic predates the recent incident in Texas.
Discussions surrounding the nuances of gun violence, such as the circumstances of each shooting or the specific individuals involved, detract from the core issue: innocent children are suffering. The prevalence of firearms, often with minimal background checks, poses a significant risk, with research from the RAND Corporation indicating that more than 22 million children reside in homes with guns.
As further details emerge regarding the Texas shooting, one conclusion remains painfully evident: sending children to school has become a greater risk than military service. The urgency for change and safety in schools cannot be overstated.
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In summary, the statistics regarding school shootings in 2018 reveal a troubling increase in fatalities, surpassing even military casualties. The ongoing issue of gun violence in schools is a critical concern that deserves immediate attention and action.