Gun Violence And Arms Trade

The recent shooting in Las Vegas killed at least 59 people and left 527 injured.

- Shatarupa Dey

Subsequent investigations revealed an arsenal of 42 explosives, firearms and thousands of ammunitions from the suspect’s home and hotel room. The shooting has again spurred public debate on gun control laws in the US. The US President Donald J. Trump has been reported as saying, “We will talk about gun laws as time goes by.”

The US’ firearm homicide rate is over six times higher than neighbouring Canada’s and 45 times higher than England’s. With the highest rates of gun homicide, suicide and accidental death in the industrialised world, it is not surprising that many Americans feel scared. The percentage of Americans who fear walking alone at night has increased from four in 2004 to ten in 2017 and yet, national authorities have consistently refused introducing measures to curb gun violence. Strangely, the American Congress has opted to undermine gun control legislation, curb gun safety awareness and abandon violence prevention programmes. Meanwhile in many states laws intended to promote the responsible use of guns are being repealed. Instead, legislation that reproduces irresponsible firearms use – including so-called “stands your ground” laws are being pursued. So what explains America’s reversal on gun control?

Reasons for reluctance to enact gun control laws