6 Reasons Gun Control Will Not Solve Mass Killings

John G. Malcolm / Amy Swearer /

In the wake of the tragic murder of 17 innocent students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students, educators, politicians, and activists are searching for solutions to prevent future school shootings.

As emotions morph from grief to anger to resolve, it is vitally important to supply facts so that policymakers and professionals can fashion solutions based on objective data rather than well-intended but misguided emotional fixes.

Are there ways to reduce gun violence and school shootings? Yes, but only after objectively assessing the facts and working collaboratively to fashion common-sense solutions.

Definitions

1. Mass killings are rare, and mass public shootings are even rarer.

2. Many gun control measures are not likely to be helpful.

3. Public mass shooters typically have histories of mental health issues.

4. The United States does not have an extraordinary problem with mass public shootings compared to other developed countries.

5. Mass killers often find ways to kill even without firearms.

6. Australia did not “eliminate mass public shootings” by banning assault weapons.

This article has been modified.