It's only been three weeks into 2023, and we have already seen 39 mass shootings
It's hard to believe that it's only been three weeks into 2023, and yet we have already seen 39 mass shootings in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, this is more than at any point in any previous year on record.
The recent string of shootings have left communities across the country heartbroken and searching for answers.
California, in particular, has been hit hard. In just 44 hours, the state saw three mass shootings, leaving a total of 18 people dead. California Governor Gavin Newsom spoke out about the devastating impact of these shootings, saying, "Only in America do we see this kind of carnage, this kind of chaos, this kind of disruption of communities and lives and confidence and sense of safety and belonging."
One of these shootings occurred in Monterey Park on Saturday night, claiming 11 lives. The victims were all in their late 50s to mid-70s. The investigation into the shooting is currently focused on the gunman's prior interactions at two dance studios he targeted and whether jealousy over a relationship was the motive, according to law enforcement sources.
The following Monday, a shooting in Half Moon Bay left seven dead and one person injured. The shooter was subject to a temporary restraining order after a former coworker and roommate accused him of attacking and threatening him in 2013, according to court records obtained by CNN. The suspect has been charged with seven counts of murder and one count of attempted murder by the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office.
These shootings are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger, ongoing problem with gun violence in the United States. Communities across the country are being torn apart by the trauma and devastation caused by these shootings. It's time for our leaders to take meaningful action to address this issue and keep our communities safe.
Reference:
Schaben, Allen J. "Mourners take part in a vigil for the victims of a mass shooting at the Star Dance Studio." Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2023, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-01-23/mass-shooting-monterey-park-vigil.
