What is behind the rise in gun related violence in the U.S.
Jennifer Mascia, Reporter, The Trace:
Well, we have seen a surge in gun sales that accelerated greatly during the pandemic. A lot of Americans, their ideas of security and safety are wrapped up in firearm ownership. We actually had 12 mass shootings last weekend. The three that made the news. And there were nine others where four or more people were shot in a single incident.
This is happening earlier than we usually see it. Two years ago, right at the onset of the pandemic, there were 88 mass shootings at this time. So January through April. 2021 last year, there were 155. That's a big leap. This year so far, we've had 147. So it seems that 2020 was something of a turning point and the violence is happening earlier in earlier in the year now.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sa7SZ6arn1%2Bjsri%2Fx6isq2ejnby4e9ahmK1lmah6o7HHoqWdZaSdsm6%2ByKycZqGeYrS2uoyrnKWZpJqxbsLIqKOeppOaeqq6jK2fnmWlYsA%3D