Gun Violence Prevention in the United States
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One incident after another, towns across the country are saddened by shootings involving their community members, left pleading for change until the next tragedy makes headlines.
Unfortunately, these incidents have become commonplace in the United States, and it is a topic of discussion related to Des Moines. A walk-out to protest gun violence in schools occurred earlier this year, on January 8, 2024. This event was organized following a school shooting at Perry Middle and High, just 25 miles from Northwest High School.
Northwest High School students participated in that walk-out with March for Our Lives, an organization aiming to end gun violence permanently.
Senior Alex Johnson, a member of Northwest High School’s March For Our Lives club, said, “I think that while political parties are very split on gun control, that won’t be what is the forefront of our president’s mind as there are many things that both parties will prioritize over gun control.”
In the minds of March For Our Lives members, legislative progress in Iowa and around the country has not seen enough progress to put an end to gun-related violence.
During the January 8 walk-out, students marched to the capitol building in downtown Des Moines. Once in the building, the chants began. “No more silence, end gun violence,” and, “Enough is enough.” Nearly 300 students sought lawmakers’ attention.
Local shootings in the Des Moines area have seen rapid increases. In a Des Moines Register article published on September 16, 2024, Kate Kealey writes, “Four individuals died due to gunshot injuries from three different incidents in Des Moines over the last two days, including one that left two police officers injured.”
On the other hand, mental health issues have also become a growing concern and one of the possible causes for the rise in violent incidents over the past years.
Junior Aiden Kempers said, “The only way to prevent incidents is by preventing those who cause them.” Multiple school shootings have been caused partially due to mental health issues discovered in the perpetrators, including Columbine and Sandy Hook.
Little progress has been made to prevent shootings in the United States, leaving students to wonder how many more lives will be lost until legislators can work with law enforcement to put an end to gun violence.