The United States and Gun Violence: Where Things Stand Going into 2024

Written By Abigail Kacmarik

January 16, 2024

Mass shootings and violent crimes involving firearms have riddled the United States with wounds that will never heal. Schools, churches, concerts, and grocery stores are some of the few places in recent years that have been targets of mass casualty shootings. Leaving communities traumatized and the public scarred. Instead of going to school excited and curious, students are feeling the same intense anxiety all over the country: are they next? Is today the day they go and don’t come back?

Due to this lack of response, there have been countless marches, walkouts, and the introduction of countless gun control bills that are just the beginning of efforts to combat gun violence– but why do public efforts keep getting shut down? Although overall public opinion is in favor of gun control,  authorities have taken no action towards ending the violence, especially in terms of the AR-15 –  an automatic assault rifle created as a weapon of war,  known for creating mass destruction within seconds. Unfortunately – congressmen, representatives, and other influential figures in politics have close relationships with organizations like the NRA— who put considerable amounts of money into their campaigns in exchange for favorable rulings and decisions. According to many news sources, representatives in the state of Texas have taken more than $14 Million in these contributions.

As the issue continues to strike fear in every U.S. citizen with access to the latest news, nothing has been done to alter the environment in which these types of crimes are committed. In fact, in states like Florida, the legislation has been made less strict – allowing concealed carry without permits. A bill was signed into law behind closed doors with Governor Ron Desantis and members of the NRA, much to the dismay of communities throughout Florida. 

Even so, the number of mass shootings in the United States has steadily grown each year, showing no signs of stopping, observers liken this disturbing trend to an epidemic, drawing attention to the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. President Biden and his administration agreed with this sentiment several times, calling for major gun reform earlier this year by launching their own prevention office.

“And because of all of you here today, all across the country, survivors, families, advocates — especially young people who demand our nation do better to protect all; who protested, organized, voted, and ran for office, and, yes, marched for their lives — I’m proud to announce the creation of the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention — the first office in our history. ”
— Joe Biden

But it’s hard to feel optimistic in the face of these changes when there is still an ever-rising gun violence rate in the States. In an article written in June of 2023 by NPR, they state: “The number of gun deaths in 2021, 48,830, was the largest on record, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”  The continuous reach that firearms have on Americans whether it be direct or indirect, has cast a dark shadow over the nation as a whole. Increases in death rates in children and teenagers as the leading cause, and boosting sales for bulletproof Kevlar in backpacks contributing to said shadow. 

Although Americans continue to feel fear and worry for their loved ones when they are in public, it’s important to understand that citizens can learn ways to protect themselves in these situations. Continuously staying up to date with the proper self-defense and strategy may be a vital factor in safety. To continue to support the fight against Gun Violence, you can visit the March for Our Lives website and find ways to contribute through donations, marches, and other events. 

Written by: Abigail Kacmarik

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