Gun Violence Claims Over 200 Lives in the U.S. Over the Holiday Weekend

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Gun violence in the United States is no longer just a topic of discussion; it has escalated into a full-blown epidemic. Many believe they can evade this crisis by residing in safe neighborhoods, but the reality is harsh. I live in a suburban area, and my husband was shot while picking up our children from school one Monday afternoon. The threat of gun violence is pervasive.

Over the recent 4th of July weekend, CNN reported that gun violence resulted in more than 230 fatalities across the nation. This surge is alarming, with the Chicago Sun-Times labeling it the most violent holiday weekend of 2021. Among the victims were 104 individuals shot, including 19 who lost their lives and 13 children. It’s heartbreaking to witness our children being harmed or killed due to gun violence.

In St. Louis, which was ranked the second most dangerous city in 2020, four children were shot in just ten hours during the holiday weekend. The total number of children aged 17 and younger shot in the city this year has now reached 52. In Norfolk, VA, a 15-year-old assailant shot four children under 17, though they survived. We cannot allow this madness to continue!

The violence isn’t limited to urban areas. A shocking incident occurred at a country club golf course where golf pro David Miller was fatally shot after confronting a driver whose truck had been on the green. His body was found near the 10th hole, and two other victims were discovered in the truck’s bed. As of now, no motive has been established, and the shooter remains at large.

This is merely a glimpse of the ongoing violence in our country, and the situation shows no signs of improvement. According to the Gun Violence Archive, as of July 7, there have been 20,466 gun-related deaths in 2021 alone. With nearly 25,000 fatalities already, our gun laws remain lax, allowing weapons to remain easily accessible.

The Washington Post indicates that before 2020, spikes in gun sales were often linked to elections and mass shootings, such as the Sandy Hook tragedy. However, during the pandemic and subsequent protests against police brutality, gun sales surged again. Sadly, the increased acquisition of firearms correlates directly with rising gun-related incidents, with over 20,000 gun violence deaths and an additional 24,000 suicides recorded in 2020 — the highest figures in two decades. We are on track to exceed these numbers in 2021.

Experts attribute this surge in gun violence to the tumultuous period we are living through, exacerbated by COVID-19 and its aftermath. Many individuals are still grappling with job losses, the death of loved ones, and uncertainty about their health. Paul Johnson, Director of the Community Violence Initiative at the Giffords Law Center, expressed concern about the potential for increased conflicts as people resume social interactions, especially among youth who have relied on social media to resolve disputes during the pandemic.

What Steps Can We Take?

So, what steps can we take to address this crisis? The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to tackling gun violence and removing firearms from our streets. They outlined six initial steps in April to address this growing concern, which has reached epidemic proportions:

1. A proposed rule by the Justice Department aims to curb the spread of “ghost guns,” which can be assembled quickly and are difficult to trace.
2. New regulations will clarify what constitutes a stabilizing brace, which can easily convert a pistol into a short-barreled rifle.
3. States will be encouraged to adopt “red flag” laws, enabling families and law enforcement to restrict firearm access for individuals in crisis.
4. Investment in community violence intervention programs will be prioritized to reduce urban crime through non-incarceration methods.
5. An updated report on firearms trafficking will be released to inform policymakers about current illegal trafficking channels.
6. David Thompson has been nominated as the new director of the ATF, a position that has remained unfilled since 2015.

We have much to be thankful for with the Biden-Harris Administration’s decisive actions on gun violence, and we hope they can effectively implement these measures to combat this grave issue. It’s our responsibility to advocate for stricter gun laws to keep firearms out of the hands of those who would misuse them. Gun violence can happen anywhere, and we must stay vigilant for the safety and future of our children.

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Summary

Gun violence in the U.S. has become an epidemic, with over 200 fatalities reported during the recent 4th of July weekend alone. The alarming trend is evident across both urban and suburban areas, with children increasingly becoming victims. Experts attribute the rise in gun violence to ongoing societal turmoil exacerbated by the pandemic. The Biden-Harris Administration is working on initiatives to address this crisis, including proposed regulations on ghost guns, community interventions, and promoting red flag laws. It is crucial for citizens to advocate for stricter gun laws to protect future generations.