US mass shootings count crosses 100 in 2023: All you need to know about gun laws, who opposes it, who supports and more

Gun violence is an entrenched aspect of American society, and the topic is highly politicized, with those who support gun control in opposition to those who vehemently defend their right to bear arms. This year alone, there have been over 130 mass shootings, including one at a school in Nashville, resulting in the deaths of three children and three adults. The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit research database, has documented a significant rise in mass shootings in recent years. In the past three years, the number of mass shootings has exceeded 600 annually, equating to nearly two per day on average.

What is mass shooting?

Although there is no universally accepted definition for "mass shootings" in the United States, the Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as any incident in which four or more individuals are either injured or killed. This definition encompasses shootings that take place in private residences as well as public areas.

Survey says 120.5 guns per 100 residents

Determining the exact number of guns in private possession worldwide is a challenging task. However, the Small Arms Survey, a Swiss-based research initiative, reported in 2018 that there were approximately 390 million guns in circulation in the United States. The ratio of firearms to residents in the US is exceptionally high, with 120.5 guns per 100 residents, compared to 88 per 100 in 2011. This ratio far exceeds those of other countries globally.

Pro-guns vs Anti-guns

According to Gallup polling, a majority of Americans support gun control, with 57 per cent of those surveyed indicating a desire for stricter gun laws. However, this percentage has fallen over the past year. Only 32 per cent of respondents believe that gun laws should remain the same, while 10 per cent believe that they should be less strict.

Despite experiencing financial difficulties and internal conflicts, the National Rifle Association (NRA) remains the most influential gun lobby in the United States, with a considerable budget dedicated to influencing members of Congress on gun policy. In recent years, the NRA, along with other pro-gun rights organizations, have consistently outspent their counterparts in the gun control lobby on messaging during election cycles.

FAQs

1. Who is the President of US?
   Joe Biden
2. When did USA legalize possession of arms?
   1791