Student Name

Course Name/Number

Professor Name

Due Date

Why are random shootings becoming more common in the U.S.?

Over the few decades, the United States has witnessed a substantial increase in mass shootings. Most notably at schools, malls, and workplaces - raising questions about what drives this disturbing trend. With increased division on gun regulation in the United States, the debate has just gained traction without meaningful resolution leading to increased suffering among growth suffering population in the hands of illegal gun owners. This essay will discuss three primary factors contributing to mass shootings: increased gun ownership, insufficient knowledge regarding effective responses to gun violence issues, and the contagious nature of mass shootings.

First, gun ownership in the US is on an upward trend, with sales increasing 65% during 2020 alone. Uncertain times such as George Floyd's police killing, Capitol riots, and the Covid-19 pandemic have caused many Americans to purchase guns as protection in times of difficulty or uncertainty. According to BBC statistics presented by Yousif, from 2021 alone, over 20 million new guns were purchased as people turned towards firearms as protection in times of danger or uncertainty. Its implications are deeply worrying; people fear acquiring firearms as an escape. Unfortunately, when scared, people with firearms are violent. Gun ownership does not guarantee safety but often increases violence. Besides, more guns sold means more risk of mass shootings and firearms-related accidents. As a result, increasing gun ownership plays a large part in mass shootings across America.

Secondly, Lack of knowledge on how to effectively combat gun violence is another contributory factor behind the increase in mass shootings in the US, unfortunately, despite their alarming frequency. No official data exists for these incidents; they rely on states to track and report these events. Johnson published a news article through the US News and recently reported that more can be accomplished if the government invests in a nationwide surveillance system that can track gun-related violence incidents more accurately and timely. Without accurate data, it would be impossible to understand what drives mass shootings and devise effective policies to stop them. Unawareness also extends to mental health issues. Many mass shooters have histories of mental health problems. Yet, access to mental healthcare in the US remains restricted, limiting its availability for treatment purposes and identifying those at risk...