Just yesterday, a man wielding an assault rifle entered a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, and tragically ended the lives of 10 innocent people. At this moment, we have no insight into his motives, but does that really matter? Absolutely not. There is nothing that can ever justify someone walking into a grocery store and unleashing violence. We can no longer allow mass shootings to be a recurring event in this nation. It’s high time for those in power to take gun control seriously—enough is enough. How many more lives must be lost before action is taken?
One of the few positive aspects of COVID and the restrictions it brought is that such horrific events seemed to diminish. Reflect on 2020: how many mass shootings occurred? Exactly. The absence of public gatherings contributed to that decline. However, as we begin to reopen and a new administration takes charge, gun control must become a critical topic of discussion. It’s evident that this issue is resurfacing, and while the pandemic remains a pressing concern, we must also focus on gun control because the threat is returning, swiftly.
According to a CNN report, there have been seven mass shootings since March 16th. SEVEN. Fortunately, many of the recent incidents did not result in multiple fatalities. Nevertheless, this year has already seen at least six mass shootings with four or more deaths, including the tragedies in Atlanta and Denver. If that’s not a compelling reason to engage in a serious conversation about gun control, I don’t know what is. The government must act decisively. With summer approaching and vaccination rates increasing, more people will be out in public, vulnerable to individuals armed with assault weapons. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we should not accept this as our norm.
Senator Alex Thompson announced today in a committee meeting that he plans to reintroduce legislation aimed at enhancing background checks from 2013. This legislation focuses on “violent criminals,” felons, fugitives, and “those with severe mental health issues,” aiming to prevent them from obtaining firearms. However, he still supports “law-abiding citizens” having access to guns. “If you want to prevent these murders, focus on the murderers,” he stated. Yet, this proposal was rightfully stalled by Democrats in a filibuster because they recognize that Thompson’s approach fails to address the real issues.
Many of the individuals committing these heinous acts do not have a history of violence. If you look up the Boulder shooter, you won’t find a lengthy criminal record. Currently, it appears he had two previous police encounters: one for third-degree assault (a misdemeanor) and another for criminal mischief. However, it’s unclear if he was ever convicted. If he wasn’t convicted, he wouldn’t be in the system, meaning Thompson’s legislation would not prevent him from purchasing a gun.
Mental health is often cited as a factor in mass shootings, but how many perpetrators genuinely have a documented history of mental illness? And how can we ethically assess someone’s mental health status without violating privacy laws? If mental health is to be a cornerstone of gun control discussions, how does Thompson propose we navigate these complex issues?
Moreover, any measures targeting mental illness could further stigmatize those struggling with it, ultimately causing more harm than good. The vast majority of individuals with mental health challenges do not resort to violence, and conflating the two is both dangerous and damaging.
What about fugitives accessing weapons? If someone is evading law enforcement, they’re unlikely to pursue a legal route to obtain a firearm. They won’t walk into a gun store and admit to recent criminal activity. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Thompson’s proposals.
The shooter from the Pulse Nightclub incident was on an FBI watchlist before the attack, yet he still acquired an AR-15. What’s the point of being on a watchlist if dangerous individuals can still access military-grade weapons? Why should civilians even have access to such arms? When would someone genuinely need to “defend” themselves with an AR-15? These weapons are not designed for casual use; anyone possessing one clearly has lethal intent.
The most frustrating aspect of the gun control debate is the public’s fear of losing their firearms. While I am staunchly against widespread gun ownership, the immediate goal should be restricting access to the most dangerous weapons. The issue lies in who can purchase firearms and what types they can buy. Military-style weapons belong solely in the hands of trained professionals. Civilians have no legitimate need for firearms capable of inflicting mass damage.
Currently, the gun reform bill passed by the House includes a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. During a speech addressing the Boulder shooting, President Biden urged the Senate to take action. “This is not a partisan issue; it’s an American issue,” he stated. “It will save lives. We must act.” The proposed legislation also aims to close background check loopholes, but with an evenly divided Senate, it remains uncertain how the votes will unfold. Nevertheless, prompt action is crucial if we want real change.
In a recent press conference, White House spokesperson Jen Psaki indicated that the administration is considering executive action regarding gun control. “We are exploring various options, including legislation and executive measures to tackle not just gun safety but also violence in our communities,” she informed reporters while aboard Air Force One. While executive action is not the ideal route to pursue gun control, it may be Biden’s best option for effecting change. We cannot afford to lose more lives because of reluctance to restrict access to firearms.
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In summary, the urgent need for gun control is more apparent than ever following the tragic shooting in Boulder. With rising concerns about future incidents, it is vital for lawmakers to prioritize the safety of citizens and engage in meaningful discussions about gun legislation.
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