America’s Gun Control Crisis Persists Despite Growing Favor for Stricter Regulations
There is no denying that guns are deeply ingrained into American society. Across the country the topic of gun control and stricter regulations is a hot topic and the star of many political debates. The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants American citizens the right to bear arms, a right that conservative citizens have defended for years despite growing opposition.
As of June 8, 2022 there have been more than 250 mass shootings in 2022 alone, as reported by The Washington Post. With thirty-eight shootings taking place within the weeks following the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Tex., that left 19 children and two teachers dead on May 24.
A study by Pew Research Center in 2021 found that while there is still a bipartisan divide over gun legislation, there is majority agreement over preventing those with mental illness from purchasing guns, subjecting private gun sales and gun show sales to background checks, and banning assault-style weapons.
Majority agree there should be some gun policy changes but most proposals are still politically divisive. Currently, as reported by the Texas Tribune, U.S senators are working on a deal to expand background checks for people under 21 and encourage states to enact red flag laws, which could help prevent individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or other from purchasing or possessing any kind of fire arm.
