Despite high-profile violent incidents, 2025 is projected to see the largest one-year decrease in U.S. homicides ever recorded, with a roughly 20% drop nationwide, returning crime levels closer to pre-pandemic norms according to preliminary data from law enforcement agencies.
A gunmen attack at a tavern in Bekkersdal, South Africa, resulted in nine deaths and ten injuries, with perpetrators still at large. The incident highlights ongoing issues of gun violence and resource challenges faced by local authorities in the country.
The U.S. is nearing 340 mass shootings in 2023, with a deadly weekend involving multiple incidents at high school events across two states, highlighting the ongoing crisis of gun violence in America.
Multiple mass shootings occurred in the US over the weekend, including a boat attack in North Carolina that killed three and injured others, a casino shooting in Texas that left two dead and five wounded, and a triple shooting on Bourbon Street in New Orleans that resulted in one death and three injuries, highlighting ongoing concerns over gun violence in the country.
At least 13 people were injured in two related mass shootings at homeless encampments in Minneapolis within 12 hours, marking a recent surge in gun violence in the city, with authorities investigating potential connections and ongoing efforts to clear the encampments.
Chicago experienced its most violent holiday weekend of the summer with 9 killed and 52 wounded, amid political tensions over potential deployment of the National Guard to curb crime, despite overall declining crime rates in the city.
Jonah Goldberg defends the expression of thoughts and prayers after mass shootings, arguing that such gestures are a basic human decency and social solidarity that should not be dismissed or shamed, and that they can serve as a foundation for further action and policy change.
The article discusses the debate over 'thoughts and prayers' in the context of mass shootings, highlighting how Democrats view prayer as insufficient without action, while Republicans like JD Vance frame criticisms of prayer as disrespectful. Polls show many Americans believe in the power of prayer, but also recognize the need for concrete measures to prevent violence. The article emphasizes the nuanced political and cultural dynamics surrounding this issue.
The NFL has recommended enhanced security measures at team facilities, including armed officers and weapon screening, following a shooting at its headquarters. The article discusses the debate over gun rights and security, criticizing opinions that advocate for banning semi-automatic rifles, and highlights that tactical rifles are already used by law enforcement and security teams in various high-security settings. The author argues that the NFL should equip itself with appropriate weaponry to protect its facilities, emphasizing that armed security is a common and effective practice.
An active-duty Army sergeant opened fire at Fort Stewart, Georgia, wounding five soldiers, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and violence at US military bases, amidst a history of similar attacks including the Fort Hood shooting and the Pensacola Naval Air Station attack.
Colorado's Democratic-controlled House passed a bill to ban the sale and transfer of semiautomatic firearms, sending it to the state Senate, where its chances are uncertain. The state has a history of mass shootings, and the legislation faces opposition from Republicans who argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights. If passed, Colorado would join 10 other states with similar bans.
The Supreme Court is considering the legality of bump stocks, which were used in the deadly Las Vegas music festival shooting, effectively turning rifles into machine guns. The ban on bump stocks, enacted by the Trump administration, is now being challenged, with the conservative-leaning Supreme Court showing a potential inclination to invalidate it. Justice Amy Coney Barrett's swing vote may decide the outcome, as she expressed skepticism about whether bump stocks meet the federal definition of a "machinegun." The case has sparked a debate over the interpretation of federal law and the role of the administrative state, with implications for gun safety legislation and potential future mass shootings.
The head of the ATF, Steve Dettelbach, expressed concern that the frequency of mass shootings and gun violence in the US could desensitize people to the bloodshed, hindering efforts to find solutions. He met with family members of victims from the Lewiston shooting and emphasized the importance of community voices in driving change. Dettelbach also highlighted the need to make it harder for individuals who should not have firearms to obtain them and expressed support for universal background checks and banning assault weapons.
After the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory celebration, a shooting occurred at the subsequent parade, resulting in one fatality and 22 injuries. The incident highlighted the collision of disparate elements of American culture and the pervasiveness of mass shootings in the United States, even at events like parades. The shooting served as a grim reminder of the lack of safety in public spaces and the regularity of such tragic events in the country.
In the wake of the recent mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade, some parents are expressing hesitation about bringing their children to large public events due to concerns about gun violence. The incident has sparked a conversation about the safety of such gatherings, with some parents reconsidering attending unless stricter security measures are in place. While some advocate for continued participation in public events, others emphasize the need for gun control to address the root issue of mass shootings in the U.S.