The number of mass shootings is the highest in 10 years.

In recent days, a series of shootings have occurred in various locations across the United States. Washington Police Department Acting Commissioner Pamela Smith stated that at approximately 1:00 AM local time on August 5th, a shooting took place in the Northwest of Washington. Upon arriving at the scene, police found three men shot; two died at the scene, and the third was seriously injured. That same evening, another shooting occurred in the Southeast of Washington, resulting in three deaths and two hospitalizations. The Washington Post reported that at approximately 5:00 AM on August 5th, yet another shooting occurred in the Northwest of Washington, resulting in the immediate death of one man.

According to CNN, data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that as of August 8, 2023, there had been 430 mass shootings in the US (resulting in more than 4 casualties, not including the perpetrators), averaging nearly two incidents per day. If this trend continues, 2023 could be the worst year for mass shootings in the US in the past 10 years. The data from the Gun Violence Archive also shows that July was a particularly violent month for gun violence in the US, peaking around Independence Day on July 4th, with a total of 22 mass shootings resulting in 22 deaths and 126 injuries.

Faced with this situation, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy exclaimed that only in America can people freely possess weapons of mass destruction like this. Only in America do people glorify violence to such an extent, leading to the continuous occurrence of mass shootings.

Gun violence erodes social trust.

The United States has the highest number of civilian gun owners in the world , with more guns than people – approximately 120 guns per 100 people. Gun violence has permeated every aspect of social life. American writer Janice Ellis commented that in the US, whether in grocery stores, shopping malls, or schools, people are at risk of becoming victims of gun violence. The US is the only developed country in the world where gun violence frequently occurs.

In recent years, the number of gun violence incidents in the United States has been steadily increasing. (Illustration: Vox)

The motives for shootings are also very diverse: hatred, mental illness, gang revenge, family conflicts, etc. Even arguments in fast-food restaurants or anger over being overtaken can lead to shootings. The Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit organization in the US, released a report stating that more than half of American adults surveyed said they or a relative had experienced a gun-related incident at least once. Compared to white people, this number is much higher among people of color, such as African Americans.

Researchers have also found a clear link between gun ownership rates and gun violence in the US. A Boston University study showed that for every percentage point increase in household gun ownership, the rate of gun homicides in the US increases by 0.9%. Some analysts point out that in recent years, the widening gap between rich and poor in American society, along with layoffs, business closures, and economic recession, has led to increasing social polarization and extremism. The increase in gun violence has also led many people to want to own guns for self-defense.

According to Vox News, "self-defense" has become the most important reason Americans own guns, more so than hunting, recreation, collecting, or work. The Hill reports that between 2020 and 2022, Americans purchased nearly 60 million guns, with about one-fifth of American households owning a gun, and annual gun sales doubling compared to 15 or 20 years prior. The freedom to own guns fuels social violence; conversely, violence fuels gun production and sales.

Bipartisan conflict over gun control policies.

Following the shooting at a shopping mall in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas, which left at least nine people dead (including the gunman) and seven others injured on May 6th, the White House urged Republican members of Congress to support a bill banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

However, a Republican, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, said Texas would not implement gun control measures because "it would be pointless." He argued that whether in "red" states (Republican-leaning) with lax regulations or "blue" states (Democratic-leaning) advocating for gun control, mass shootings are on the rise. "The root cause stems from the mental health of gun buyers," Greg Abbott said.

Analysts point out that, due to partisan polarization and obstruction from special interest groups, the legislative process aimed at strengthening gun control and curbing gun violence is struggling. The frequent occurrence of mass shootings highlights the lack of action by federal and state lawmakers. Daniel Webster, Director of the Center for Gun Violence Policy and Prevention at Johns Hopkins University, says this contradicts lawmakers' expectations. Many Republican leaders at the state level are making gun ownership easier. According to AP, Republican lawmakers are even pushing for legislation to expand the right to own and carry guns. As of July 2023, 27 states did not require handgun permits, an increase of 11 states from 2020.

In light of this situation, VOX News commented that the issue of gun violence is deeply ingrained in American politics, culture, and law, and that "the political process in America has proven unable to change this reality."

THANH SON (According to gmw.cn)

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