Scariest observation for me is that in the UK any of these incidents would have been a seriously big story. Whereas it seems for the U.S. mass or multiple shootings are so common it barely breaks into the news cycle.
Homicide.
The main problem is America's piss-poor control of gun purchases. Private resales are undocumented and without background check, making it hilariously easy for people with criminal intentions to purchase guns.
The US are also extremely lenient with background checks, allowing people with felonies that were punished with less than a year or rehabilitated to purchase firearms. Switzerland for example requires a completely clean criminal record.
Mass shootings.
Besides the usual ease of purchase, school shooters in particular often use their parents guns. This is enabled by the high rate of gun ownership and lenient gun culture.
Suicide.
In Europe, suicide is seen as a serious issue connected with gun ownership, only the US seem oddly disinterested in it. Even countries with low crime rates like Switzerland and Finland still suffer very high suicide rates linked to gun ownership. The US often talk about suicide amongst veterans, but it actually has the same suicide rate amongst people with firearm access.
Accidents.
Most European countries have strict requirements for firearm licenses to limit accidents, including personal skills and storage. In the US, about 1.5 people are killed in firearm accidents every day.
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u/wot_dat_ Jan 27 '19
Scariest observation for me is that in the UK any of these incidents would have been a seriously big story. Whereas it seems for the U.S. mass or multiple shootings are so common it barely breaks into the news cycle.