Essay Sample on School Shootings and Violence in the U.S.

On February 14, 2018, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire at his Marjory Stoneman Douglas High school in Parkland Florida killing 14 students and three staff administrators. This event was marked as one of the most egregious school shootings in U.S history. Not only did this event bear psychological impacts on those involved, but this event also created other economic impacts as well. Broward School Board recorded that this event resulted in a minimum price of $300,000. The topic of gun control has been thrown into many political debates over the last four years as many believe that stricter gun control should be enacted, while others argue that gun control should not be introduced as it prohibits the rights of American citizens. However, enacting a more strict gun control legislation within the U.S is necessary as it will decrease gun homicide and its economic costs.

Notably, over the years, school shootings have seen an increase. “In 2019, there were at least 130 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 33 deaths and 78 injuries nationwide. In 2021, there were at least 202 incidents of gunfire on school grounds which resulted in 49 deaths and 126 injuries nationwide” (Everytown Research & Policy). Many argue that this is due to the easy access individuals have to purchase guns.  Some individuals who are responsible for gun massacres often showcase signs of poor mental health and have questionable or criminal activities as a part of their past. Half of the nation does not require a waiting period or a universal background for one to own a gun. If the nation as a whole has stricter waiting periods as well as background checks, then it would not be as easy for everyone to purchase guns, and those who do struggle with mental health or have criminal activities in their past also would not have such easy access. This could result in a decreased homicide rate. In 2016, a Lancet study found that “implementing federal universal background checks could reduce firearm deaths by a projected 56.9%; background checks for ammunition purchases could reduce deaths by a projected 80.7%, and gun identification requirements could reduce deaths by a projected 82.5% (ProCon.org).

Furthermore, stricter gun control legislation is necessary because it can reduce the economic costs that result from gun-related massacres. According to Everytown Research and Policy, “Our federal, state, and local governments are spending a combined average of $34.8 million each day to deal with the aftermath of gun violence across the country. The total annual bill for taxpayers, survivors, families, employers, and communities is $280 billion.”