Deadliest Six Months of Mass Killings in the US Since 2006
In the first six months of 2023, the United States has experienced the deadliest period of mass killings since at least 2006. From January 1 to June 30, there were 28 mass killings, with all but one involving guns. The death toll continued to rise each week, leaving a trail of violence and grief across the nation.
The grim milestone of 28 mass killings resulted in the loss of 140 lives. Brent Leatherwood, a prominent Republican in Tennessee, was struck by the tragedy when his three children were in class at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27. A former student entered the school and killed three children and three adults. Leatherwood, who resides in a state with weak gun laws, believes that action must be taken to prevent guns from falling into the hands of potentially violent individuals. The shocking proximity of the bloodshed prompted him to speak out against the violence.
A mass killing is defined as an incident in which at least four people are killed, excluding the perpetrator, within a 24-hour period. The Associated Press and USA Today, in partnership with Northeastern University, have maintained a database tracking these large-scale acts of violence since 2006. The record-breaking 28 mass killings in the first half of 2023 surpassed the previous high of 27, which occurred in the second half of 2022. James Alan Fox, a criminology professor at Northeastern University, expressed astonishment at the statistics, noting that they far exceeded previous expectations.
While the first six months of 2023 have been marked by chaos, it does not necessarily indicate that the remaining six months will follow suit. The second half of the year may see a decrease in violence, despite a surge of incidents over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Dr. Amy Barnhorst, an associate director of the Violence Prevention Research Program at the University of California, Davis, believes that the recent violence could either be an anomaly or part of an ongoing trend. She emphasized the need for more time to assess the situation accurately.
Experts attribute the rise in bloodshed to the combination of a growing population and an increased number of firearms in the United States. However, it is important to keep these mass killings in perspective, as they are statistically rare and represent only a fraction of the country’s overall gun violence. Nevertheless, the occurrence of mass violence often triggers calls for gun law reforms, even if these efforts are not always successful.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, a Republican, called on the General Assembly to pass legislation that would prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from accessing firearms, commonly referred to as “red flag laws.” However, such measures face significant challenges in Tennessee, where the Republican-led Legislature has yet to take any action on gun control. In response, the governor has scheduled a special session for August to address the issue.
Brent Leatherwood, former executive director of the Tennessee Republican Party and current head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s public policy arm, has personally experienced the devastating impact of gun violence. He penned a letter to lawmakers urging them to support the governor’s proposal, as he does not want other families to endure the same trauma his children faced during the Nashville shooting. Leatherwood’s children, in kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade at the time of the attack, even expressed concerns about their safety at a recent sleepaway camp.
Out of the 28 mass killings in the first half of 2023, 27 involved firearms, while one was a result of a fire in Louisiana. The National Rifle Association (NRA), a staunch opponent of firearm regulations, remains steadfast in its resistance to any form of gun control, including restrictions on AR-15-style rifles. The NRA argues that efforts to limit gun ownership will only empower criminals. However, the devastating impact of mass shootings, such as the 2019 attack in El Paso, Texas, where 23 people were killed, demands action to prevent further bloodshed.
Tito Anchondo, whose brother and sister-in-law died shielding their infant son during the El Paso shooting, believes that not enough has been done to address the issue of mass killings in the country. He worries about his nephew’s future, stating that the country is spiraling downwards and that it is unsettling to think that his nephew will eventually attend school with classmates who may bring guns.
The first half of 2023 has been marred by a record-breaking number of mass killings in the United States. While experts attribute the rise in violence to various factors, including population growth and increased access to firearms, it is essential to keep these incidents in perspective. The ongoing tragedy serves as a reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures to prevent further loss of life.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-07-14 04:43:00