There have been 213 mass shootings in the United States in 2022 (source). That’s 213 mass shootings in just five months.
140 children ages 0-11 have been killed this year to gun violence.
509 teenagers ages 12-17 lost their lives this year.
From 2014 to 2021, there were 3,393 mass shootings. Let that sink in for a moment.
On Tuesday, May 24th, Salvador Ramos shot his grandmother in the face. He then proceeded to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas where he entered a classroom, which was connected to another classroom.
A border patrol officer killed the gunman at the scene, but not before he took the lives of 19 innocent children and 2 faculty members. 17 people suffered non life-threatening injuries, according to a press conference with Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
According to reports, 18 year-old Ramos purchased both of the guns used within the last week.
Instead of focusing on gun reform and stricter laws, Texas Governor Greg Abbott focused on the “problem with mental health illness in this community.”
Abbott said, “There is an urgent need for everybody affected to access mental health.”
He did not mention the future of gun reform, a long and frustrating debate between the Republicans, Democrats and the NRA (National Rifle Association). In fact, under Abbott’s leadership, Texans can carry a handgun if they’re over the age of 21.
So, what are the gun laws now in America?
The Second Amendment of the “right to keep and bear arms” is very much alive and well. Over the years, the Supreme Court has passed various measures which add to the Second Amendment including:
- In 2005, George W. Bush signed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which protects gun manufacturers from being named in federal or state civil suits by those who were victims of crimes involving guns made by that company.
- Individuals have the right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia.
- In 2016, the Second Amendment was extended to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding.
In Texas, guns roam free. Since September 1, 2021, a permit is not required for a person 21 and over to carry a handgun either openly or concealed in most places in Texas.
Texas does not restrict NFA weapons that are legally possessed under federal law. The state does not require background checks for private sales of firearms.
Black powder pistols and long arms are not considered to be firearms in the state of Texas and may be freely carried either open or concealed without permit or prejudice.
The NRA is thriving and will even hold their annual convention at the end of May, where many more deals will be made.
So, where does that leave our country in terms of placing stricter gun laws? Nowhere. As long as gun control is decided by politics, GOPs and Democrats may never meet eye-to-eye, which leaves Americans in the dust in terms of protection. Additionally, social media moguls need to find a better way for platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to flag suspicious posts that may hint towards future shootings.
Sadly, this is yet another mass shooting, another speech sending thoughts & prayers, more political debates and the world eventually forgets the tragic events that occurred. That is, until we have the 214th mass shooting and the cycle continues.
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