The topic of gun control in the U.S has become more apparent due to the many mass shootings that have occurred so far in 2023. Thus far, in January of 2023, communities across the country have been violated by hatred and violence. There have been a total of 39 mass shootings in the U.S. (Gun Violence Archive). These shootings have touched the lives of many, ranging from California to Florida in all types of communities. At Least 69 people have been killed throughout the country due to these mass shootings.

On January 1, 2023, In Allentown, Pennsylvania, a 28-year-old woman was located with a gunshot wound. Police said she later died at the hospital, a 28-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his leg arrived at the hospital, he survived. (WFMZ news) In Durham, North Carolina, a minor and four adults were victims of a drive-by shooting. The minor and one adult faced life threatening conditions, but they were all in stable condition (US News). In Chicago, Illinois, a dead teen and three others were wounded (CBS Chicago). In Ocala, Florida, two were dead and four were injured. (CNN) Lastly on January 1st, there was a shooting in Miami Gardens, Florida.

On January 3, 2023 In New Orleans, Louisiana, a group of four men were struck by gunfire and injured.(WAFB 9) In Washington, District of Columbia a man was killed and three others were injured, including a child. (ABC)

On January 4, 2023 In Dumfries, Virginia a group of four teens were injured and a three year old girl is dead. (WUSA) In Baltimore, Maryland a group of five teens were shot, one died. (US News) In Cedar City (Enoch), Utah a man shot eight, his wife, five kids, and mother-in-law, and himself. (The New York Times)

On January 5, 2023 In Miami Gardens, Florida ten people were injured outside a restaurant. (NBC Miami) In New Orleans, Louisiana two people were shot dead and three others were injured. (Fox 8)

On January 6, 2023 In San Francisco, California two men and two women were shot, one of the men died. (KRON 4) In Dallas, Texas five people were shot, three were pronounced dead on the scene, one was in critical condition, one was stable. (NBC DFW)

On January 7, 2023 In High Point, North Carolina five dead including three children, the killer ended their life. (WFMY 2) In Huntsville, Alabama several were injured and two died during a shooting at a strip mall. (NEWS 19)

That was just the first week of shootings in the U.S., keep in mind the month isn’t over. The list above lacks to provide us with the numerous shootings including the deadliest shooting thus far this month in Half Moon Bay, California. On Lunar New Year’s Eve a gunman opened fire on 20 people in Star Ballroom Dance Studio. It killed ten and injured the other ten. He went into another studio seeming to find more victims but was disarmed by those in the studio. He proceeded to flee and cops later believed they had found the suspect dead due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The gunman Huu Can Tran, 72 who showed up earlier that week claiming his family was trying to poison him, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still unsure of the motive.

I think as these shootings have been brought to our attention, the question arises. What are we going to do about this? I think this brings up the common debate of gun control and restriction. The idea that less guns the less shootings. Which seems to be logical to most, but I can’t help but feel that it’s more complex than that. Yes, if we do get rid of guns altogether that would help the issue, but that does take away one of our fundamental rights as citizens of the United States. The more reasonable solution to our gun crisis seems to be to regulate the ownership and use of firearms in a stricter regime. The process of obtaining and owning a firearm, in my opinion, needs to be simply harder. A thorough background and mental health check seem to be reasonable and necessary especially when giving someone a weapon that can harm others.

With this, I hope to accompany classes on the proper use of a firearm and safety for not only the owner but those living where the firearm is stored. I feel like a good amount of shooting can be prevented by simply just ensuring the people buying the guns are good candidates. Too many people die every year because we allow them to, it is our job to adapt and make changes when necessary. I think changes to our gun laws and regulations are long past due.