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2023 on pace to have highest number of mass shootings in US history
Since 2020, the U.S. has had more than 600 mass shootings each year, and this year is no different.
Scripps News
So far this year, America has suffered over 600 mass shootings, more than the number of days in a year, and more than any other developed nation. In the United States today, about 58% of American adults have personally experienced gun violence, or know someone who has.
A family member of mine was on vacation in Las Vegas when a shooting event happened recently at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas; the campus is near the hotel area. I called and texted, and was relieved to find out that he was OK. He had not heard about the campus shooting; however, he did mention that there were heavily armed police patrolling the street.
This is what we have come to in America. Any of us, anywhere — stores, schools, hotels, campuses, houses of worship — could, at any time, become a victim of gun violence, or lose someone we love to it. As many as 86% of Americans want universal background checks for all firearms purchases, and 61% support banning assault-style weapons.
The same day that the Vegas shooting incident occurred, Senate Republicans blocked Democrats from bringing two bills to the floor that would have outlawed assault weapons and required universal background checks. Could the $3.6 million the NRA has spent since 2012 to oppose gun safety bills be influencing the GOP?
More perspective: Domestic violence abuse victims need more protections — not less stringent gun regulations
It was only a brief amount of time amount between when I contacted my loved one, and got a response that he was OK — but it felt like an eternity. People all over America are experiencing this every day; some people are living with post-traumatic effects of having experienced gun violence themselves. Others are losing their lives to it, or having to live each day without a loved one who died due to gun violence.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Vote in 2024 for representatives who will support and enact strong national gun safety laws.
Dianne Douthat
Wayne