As records show, cases of mass shootings have been increasing in the United States. There can be various interpretations of what a mass shooting event can be. According to the Gun Violence Archive, cases where 4 or more people are killed or injured is generally reported as a mass shooting event. Figures have been on the rise since 2020. Such cases have resulted in widespread debate over gun ownership legislation and gun control measures.
While leaders ponder over the best ways to control the menace of mass shootings, it makes us wonder why such cases are on the rise in the first place. For answers, let us take a look at some possible reasons, as to why mass shooting cases are rising in the United States.
Easy access to guns - The United States reports the highest number of mass shootings in the world. One apparent reason is that the United States has the world's highest per-capita gun ownership. The ratio is 120.5 firearms for every 100 people. No other nation can match this high level of access to guns.
It explains why the United States reports the highest number of mass shootings in the world. Angry, hateful and mentally unstable people are there in every country. But things become a lot more dangerous if they have easy access to a gun.
Mental health issues - Due to the fast-paced lifestyle, a number of individuals are facing mental health issues. It has been found that many perpetrators involved in mass shootings were affected by mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Mental health issues can occur due to various reasons including family issues, unemployment, relationship problems and substance abuse.
Anger, rage and hatred - A lot of content circulates online that can fuel the anger, rage and hatred inside an individual. While controlled at most times, there can be instances that can trigger an explosion of that inner rage and anger. Without a gun, a raging individual is most likely to throw punches at people. But with easy access to guns, the inner rage seems to find a more potent outlet.
Suicidal tendencies - Some perpetrators engage in mass shootings as a way to commit suicide. They may be angry at someone or the world in general. But rather than committing suicide on their own, they may want to target people first. And easy access to guns makes it possible. After the shooting, the perpetrator commits suicide or is killed by law enforcement agencies.
Drug abuse - Despite serious crackdown on drugs by law enforcement agencies, the number of drug abuse cases are on the rise. People are being influenced through various sources, which presents the use of drugs as something cool. Many of the mass shooting perpetrators had a history of alcohol abuse or recreational drug use.
It is apparent that there are multiple reasons for rising cases of mass shootings. However, more effective gun control laws can certainly help reduce the number of mass shootings. Whether or not steps are taken in that direction remains to be seen.
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