The United States has seen a surge in Mass Shootings since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A shooting at a block party in Baltimore over the weekend resulted in two deaths and 28 injuries, highlighting this ongoing issue. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 340 mass shootings in the country so far this year. If this pace continues, the United States is projected to experience 679 mass shootings in 2023, the second-highest number in a calendar year since 2014.

In comparison, there were 417 mass shootings in 2019, which is about 61% fewer than the projected total for 2023. The impact of the pandemic on Americans has contributed to the rise in mass shootings. Criminologist James Alan Fox from Northeastern University explains that many people are struggling financially and emotionally, leading to increased gun sales. Additionally, the country’s tremendous divisions and polarization have also played a role in this increase.

The shooting in Baltimore occurred at an outdoor neighborhood block party in South Baltimore’s Brooklyn Homes community. Among the victims, 15 were between the ages of 13 and 17, while the others were over 17. The two individuals who lost their lives were 18 and 20 years old. As of Monday, seven people remained hospitalized, with four in critical condition. Authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in locating multiple suspects and are concerned about potential retaliation.

Gun ownership is a contentious political issue in the United States, protected by the second amendment of the Constitution. After particularly shocking shootings like the one in Baltimore, debates surrounding gun control intensify. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott called for more gun control at the national level, emphasizing the need to prioritize American lives over the ability to possess firearms.

If the current trend continues, the number of mass shootings in 2023 is expected to reach 679, doubling the 336 recorded in 2018. This would be the second-highest annual total in the past nine years, following the 690 recorded in 2021. Over the past weekend alone, there were five other mass shootings, including one that wounded eight people at a nightclub in Wichita, Kansas. The definition of a mass shooting varies among organizations and media outlets that track gun violence.

In 2023, some of the deadliest mass shootings included an attack in a Monterey Park, California, ballroom that claimed 11 lives on January 21, and another in Allen, Texas, where eight people were killed at a mall on May 6. It is important to note that different sources have different definitions of a mass shooting. For example, the Mass Shooting Tracker defines it as any incident where four or more people are shot, including the shooter(s), while the FBI defines it as an incident where at least four people are murdered with a gun.

The issue of mass shootings in the United States remains a significant public health challenge. Urgent action is needed to address this ongoing crisis and prioritize the safety and well-being of American citizens.

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