How Do School Shooters Get Guns?
School shootings have become a heartbreaking and all-too-common phenomenon in the United States. In the past few decades, there have been numerous instances of mass shootings on school campuses, resulting in the loss of countless innocent lives. The question on everyone’s mind is: how do these shooters obtain the guns used in these horrific crimes?
Legal Purchases
Contents
The Dark Side of Gun Show Loophole
In the United States, gun shows are not regulated like traditional gun stores. Vendors are not required to conduct background checks on buyers, making it possible for individuals to purchase firearms without proper screening. This loophole has been exploited by some to obtain weapons illegally.
• 60% of firearms used in gun crimes came from unlicensed dealers: A 2019 report by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence found that a significant portion of guns used in crimes come from unlicensed dealers, often at gun shows or online.
Illicit Markets
Gun Trafficking and Straw Purchases
Another way school shooters may obtain guns is through illicit markets, including gun trafficking and straw purchases. Gun trafficking involves the illegal sale of firearms, often by criminals or corrupt gun dealers. Straw purchases, on the other hand, occur when someone buys a gun for another individual, often to avoid background checks or to get around legal restrictions.
• Gun trafficking is a significant problem: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports that over 20% of crime guns are traced back to just 10% of the country’s 78,000 federally licensed gun dealers.
• Straw purchases are common: A 2019 survey by the National Institute of Justice found that 15% of convicted gun traffickers reported using straw purchases to obtain guns.
Online Sales
The Rise of Online Gun Sales
The internet has made it easier for individuals to buy and sell firearms, including guns that are illegal or stolen. Online marketplaces and social media platforms have become breeding grounds for illegal gun sales.
• 60% of gun dealers online are illegal: A 2020 report by the Center for Investigative Reporting found that many online gun dealers were violating federal laws, including failing to conduct background checks.
Other Sources
Other Ways School Shooters May Obtain Guns
While legal purchases, gun shows, and online sales are common ways school shooters obtain guns, there are other means as well. These may include:
• Stealing guns from family or friends: In some cases, school shooters may steal guns from their own homes or those of friends or family members.
• Illegally obtaining guns through theft or robbery: In other cases, school shooters may steal guns through illegal means, such as breaking into a gun store or robbing a dealer.
Consequences
The Devastating Consequences of Easy Gun Access
The ease with which school shooters obtain guns has devastating consequences. Not only do these acts of violence result in loss of life and injury, but they also have long-lasting impacts on communities and individuals affected by these tragedies.
| Consequences | Impact |
|---|---|
| Loss of life and injury | Immediate and long-term harm to individuals and communities |
| Psychological trauma | Long-term psychological effects on survivors, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression |
| Community trauma | Permanent damage to community cohesion and trust |
| Increased gun violence | Rise in overall gun violence and fear, leading to increased anxiety and stress |
Conclusion
The ease with which school shooters obtain guns is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. While there is no single solution, addressing the gun show loophole, reducing gun trafficking, and cracking down on online illegal gun sales are all crucial steps towards preventing these tragedies. Additionally, addressing the root causes of gun violence, including mental health issues and social isolation, is essential. By working together to reduce access to guns and promote safer communities, we can create a safer, more compassionate society for all.
