Yesterday, a 14-year-old student carried out a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, where four people were killed and nine others injured.
The suspect, who used an assault-style rifle, had previously been interviewed by authorities in May 2023 after the FBI flagged a threat made on Discord, suggesting he might carry out a school shooting. Despite the tip, conflicting evidence regarding the Discord account’s origin prevented investigators from making an arrest at the time, as the account had inconsistencies and appeared to be accessed from multiple locations.
Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum defended the earlier investigation, stating that there was no justification for charges based on the available evidence at the time. The teen, who had recently transferred to the school, slipped out of his class before returning and attempting to re-enter; he then began shooting in a hallway after being denied entry.
The shooting has reignited discussions on gun control amidst a string of similar tragedies in U.S. schools. Because this wasn’t the first mass shooting to take place this year; it was the 385th mass shooting to occur in 2024.
The issue of gun control in the United States has long been a fiercely debated topic, exacerbated by the frequent occurrence of tragic shooting incidents. Over halfway through 2024, gun violence has claimed the lives of 11,611 individuals, with an additional 22.349 people injured. Within the last five years alone, more than 90,000 people have been killed due to gun-related incidents.
In light of the statistics, it is evident that change is urgently needed. However, amidst the prevailing rhetoric about gun reform, is there a third conversation that should be taking place? One that seeks to find common ground and practical solutions? Is it possible for Americans to engage in a peaceful and productive dialogue about gun reform?
The existing debate on gun control in the United States has become polarized, presenting a false dichotomy between staunch support for the unrestricted right to bear arms and advocating for an absolute ban on firearms. But does this binary approach truly represent the more nuanced views held by many Americans?
Author Brené Brown captures the plight of those who find themselves in the middle ground, stating, “I exist in that lonely space between all guns and no guns — a space that [feels] defined by criticism and judgment.”
There are individuals who grew up in households with firearms, appreciating the rich history of sportsmanship and personal freedom, while also recognizing the need for responsible gun policy reform. They believe that the conversation on gun control should transcend simplistic slogans and encompass a comprehensive and thoughtful evaluation of existing policies.
The conversation on gun control in the United States must transcend the current divisive rhetoric.
A poll conducted by the Pew Research Center revealed that 53 percent of Americans are receptive to stricter gun laws, even among gun owners. This demonstrates a recognition within this group of the necessity for sensible regulations, such as universal background checks and higher age requirements.
Taylor Schumann, a survivor of the April 2013 shooting at a college in Christiansburg, Virginia and author of When Thoughts and Prayers Aren’t Enough: A Shooting Survivor’s Journey into the Realities of Gun Violence, suggests that a third conversation on gun reform is already underway.
“A third conversation is already happening, we’re just not hearing about it,” she said. “I talk to people all the time about the conversations they’re having with family members and friends where they realize they’re not actually that far apart on the issue, or they find some unexpected common ground — maybe on Red Flag Laws or expanded background checks or closing a loophole.”
On an individual level, people seem willing to engage in nuanced conversations about reform. However, when the media enters the picture, these discussions often crumble.
“Unfortunately, we don’t hear about these conversations, and we’re not encouraged to have them, by the voices we listen to in the news or in politics,” Schumann laments. “We are largely told by the news media how extreme the other side is, how far apart we are on issues, how we can never find common ground. This serves ratings and keeps our politicians in office. But it also keeps us firmly in our political camp and believing the worst about those on the other side.”
Moving the conversation forward on gun control is no easy task, but it is crucial to acknowledge the emotionally charged nature of the discussion and approach it with a genuine interest in understanding everyone’s perspectives. Active listening should be prioritized, ensuring that the conversation remains focused on identifying common ground and achieving the shared goal of saving lives.
When engaging in conversations about gun control, it is essential to begin from a place of agreement. Recognize that both parties share the desire to reduce the loss of life due to gun violence. This common objective can serve as a foundation for exploring potential solutions and finding common ground.
Schumann points out that research indicates Americans are open to change. She highlights a poll conducted by Fox News in April, which found that 87 percent of voters favored requiring criminal background checks for all gun buyers, while 81 percent supported raising the legal age to purchase firearms to 21. Additionally, 80 percent of voters supported allowing the police to disarm individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others, and 77 percent supported a 30-day waiting period for all gun purchases.
It is worth acknowledging that changing someone’s stance on gun control may not occur in a single conversation. However, by challenging extreme views and sowing seeds of alternative perspectives, individuals can contribute to a positive shift over time.
Christians have a unique role to play in the conversation surrounding gun reform. The Church should be at the forefront, providing wisdom, clarity and solace to those impacted by gun violence. Unfortunately, the Church has often remained silent or failed to address this contentious issue adequately.
Schumann hopes that the Church will champion the value and dignity of individuals within the gun control debate and recognize the opportunity for personal sacrifice.
“Too often, this conversation sends people to the furthest ends of the political arena, which is understandable since politics is largely how we accomplish things in the United States and how we act on our beliefs,” she says. “But if anyone should be advocating for protecting lives and limiting human suffering, it’s the Church.”
Schumann envisions churches and community organizations sponsoring gun buyback programs or facilitating safe opportunities for people to relinquish their firearms voluntarily. She envisions individuals deciding that preserving lives and reducing gun violence outweigh personal attachment to guns, even without legal compulsion. While legislation is desirable, she firmly believes that meaningful work can still be accomplished even without its immediate enactment.
“If anyone should be advocating for protecting lives and limiting human suffering, it’s the Church.” – Taylor Schumann
Though the issue of gun control reform may appear overwhelming, there is reason for hope. Progress has already been achieved in some areas, with states implementing red flag laws, extending background check periods and enacting assault weapons bans. Grassroots initiatives and community-led efforts, such as gun buyback programs, also have the potential to make a substantial impact.
Schumann’s hope lies in the ongoing commitment of individuals, not just institutions, to advocate for change.
“My hope really is that we wouldn’t have to rely so heavily on legislative action but that we would see more action at individual and community levels,” she asserts. “I would love to see more people decide the safety of their neighbor is worth more than their guns.”
The conversation on gun control in the United States must transcend the current divisive rhetoric. While the path to change may be challenging, individuals and institutions, including the Church, have a critical role to play in bringing about constructive reform. By engaging in conversations with wisdom, compassion, and a focus on preserving lives, Americans can move toward a future that combines peace and productive gun reform.
