Gun Deaths on the descent, but is violence still growing?

 Gun Deaths on the descent, but violence still growing?

Students from the Covenant School hold hands after getting off a bus to meet their parents at the reunification site at the Woodmont Baptist Church Monday, March 27, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. MARK ZALESKI/THE TENNESSEAN

Imagine a day like no other, parents sending their children to school, a safe haven for all students to attend, have fun, gain an education, and socialize, to be abruptly notified that your child's life is in danger, or worse...

This was the case in Nashville Tennessee where a private Christian school was under threat to a school shooter. A primary school in Nashville, The Covenant, was under fire on March  27th, 2023 where "six people — including three staff members and three 9-year-old children — died in a shooting" (The Tennessean) were unfortunately victims of a ever so pitiful pandemic affecting the U.S. 

Where did this start? Around the pandemic, there were many noticeable events occurring across the  U.S., from riots to attacks on our own government infrastructure, statistically at least, we can see this growing trend. The year 2021 especially is where we have noticed an all time high of suicides and murders (by guns) with 20,959 gun murders and 26,328 gun suicides. Of those deaths, approximately 2,590 were from young adults and children (age 18 and younger) which was a 50% uptick from the previous year. 

Looking towards current year trends, there is certainly a decreasing trend from 2021 with 2023 yielding 18,874 deaths (excluding suicides). These are scary numbers regardless if its trend, but with it, does it mean that violence is decreasing in the U.S.? Regardless of what the statistics say, many United States citizens are wary about even walking outside their homes let alone sending their children to school by themselves. In 2023, 6,192 children were affected by gun violence, with more than 1,600 of those being deaths. In 2023, there were 137 incidents of school shootings resulting in 42 deaths and many more deaths which include the Nashville private school shooting. From the time of article publication, 2024 sees 53 school shooting incidents with 19 dead and 37 injured.

If there is a downward trend of gun violence, why are there still many active incidents occurring? Why is safety continuing to be in question?

Covid-19 dealt major mental health blows to the majority of the human population who quarantined. According to research “During the first months (March to July, 2020) of the coronavirus pandemic, nation wide firearm purchasing increased substantially, which corresponded with the increased firearm injuries in U.S. during this period” with correlation to childhood trauma among other causes, there can be a noticeable correlation between guns and mental health/loneliness or depression. Interviews showed that youth who owned guns for respect or to be intimidating appeared to display more antisocial behavior. This may be a key reason for gun violence in America, at least among youths, isolation, or loneliness.

Even though there is a decreasing gun violence trend, the effects of Covid-19 and 2021 record high numbers still carry on. Amidst tension between politics, police, citizens and more, many question trust and live off fear. Even though there is a downward trend, crime has been normalized to an extent, and as a result fear has become an initiating instinct among citizens.

Providing mental health services may be a step in the right direction, especially with effects from Covid-19 still impending. But that won't solve all the issues. There needs to be more initiative on gun safety legislation. Between 2022 and 2023, states that have stronger gun legislation showed a greater decrease in gun homicides (13.7% decline compared to 5.1% decline). Gun safety should also be considered as a course or tool of education. Guns may never be convictable by the government, especially when a study based on 10% of the convicted youth, found that 70% of guns were distributed by friends and another 30% knew a friend of similar age who had access to a gun. Not only that but 25% interviewed stated they knew of multiple locations in which a gun could be accessed. showing just how easy it is to get guns. Gun safety courses and education may prove to help new owners to properly wield a gun and as a result decrease self inflicting harm from guns.

Will this crisis ever come to an end?

Though we cannot be certain of the future, many programs and initiatives have been started as a result of past incidents. Sandy Hook Program for example was founded due to a school shooting at their elementary school. This program has helped the community by identifying at risk individuals based on their network. As a result they have intervened in and stopped 16 planned school shootings. 

Community programs may be a start to solving the bigger issue, however, until the government is able to take affirmative action instead of funding from lobbyists, safety may still be questionable to the American Citizens.

Much to the disappointment of many law-abiding citizens, some argue that stronger legislation refutes the right to bear arms. As much as it is a tempting statement, the creators of such articles also argued that the role of government and written legislation is to change through time, not stagnate. What this means is that rules are to change based on current issues or needs of citizens, and at this time the need of safety for all citizens is necessary.

No person should have to worry about getting shot on the street let being afraid of sending their child to school. America may be taking steps to better times, but how many have to say bye until things change?