Is The Effort To Control Or Ban Handguns Over?

Gun control has been a hotly debated topic in the United States, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. However, recent data from the US Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics sheds light on the reality of firearm violence in America. According to the statistics, only nine percent of violent crimes involve firearms, with the majority of mass and school shootings involving handguns.

Despite this data, there are currently 400 million firearms in private hands in the US, making it challenging to implement any significant changes to gun ownership laws. Additionally, support for a ban on handguns in the US has fallen to a near-record low, with only 20% of adults in favor of such a law.

Instead of focusing solely on gun control, perhaps it is time to shift the conversation towards offender accountability. Firearms offenders released from prison have a significantly higher rate of recidivism compared to other offenders. This suggests that the emphasis should be on targeting those who use firearms while committing violent crimes and holding them responsible for their actions.

One potential solution could be to implement a Project Safe Neighborhoods model to identify likely shooters and offer them resources to exit violence or face enhanced prosecution. Additionally, creating lists of potential violent criminals and utilizing violent crime task forces to analyze and link them to existing crimes could be effective strategies in reducing firearm violence.

Furthermore, addressing the issue of juveniles using firearms is crucial, as reports indicate a growing problem in this demographic. Measures such as contacting parents of youthful offenders and holding them accountable for their children’s actions could help deter firearm-related crimes among young individuals.

In conclusion, while stricter gun laws may have merit for some, the focus should be on addressing the root causes of firearm violence and holding offenders accountable for their actions. By targeting those who use firearms while committing crimes and implementing effective strategies to address the issue, we may be able to make a significant impact on reducing firearm violence in the United States.

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