This year alone, more than 31,000 children across 21 states in the United States have been directly affected by school shootings during school hours, according to a report by The Washington Post. While school shootings remain statistically rare, firearms are brought to schools nearly every day, creating a persistent environment of fear and insecurity.
Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 13 fatalities in school shooting incidents, including a teenage student and a teacher lost at Abundant Life Christian School last Monday. Additionally, almost 50 individuals were shot but survived these harrowing events.
Looking at the broader picture, since the tragic Columbine High massacre on April 20, 1999, there have been 426 school shootings in the United States. These incidents have resulted in the deaths of 215 people, including both children and educators, and nearly 500 others have been injured.
A significant concern highlighted in the report is the source of the firearms used in these shootings. In 86% of cases where the origin of the weapon was identified, guns were obtained from the homes of friends, relatives, or parents. \"More than half of school shootings in the United States were carried out by children, none of which would be possible if those children didn't have access to firearms,\" the report emphasizes.
The ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address gun accessibility and ensure the safety and well-being of students and educators across the nation.
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31,000 children affected by 2024 U.S. school shootings in 21 states
cgtn.com
