violence

More than 33,000 people in the United States die from gun-related injuries each year, making firearms the second leading cause of injury-related death. Many of these deaths could be avoided through policy—for example, Australia all but eliminated gun deaths through a series of gun control measures that included a massive gun buyback program, an assault weapons ban, and strict gun-trafficking policies. In the U.S., the current political climate would prohibit such dramatic changes. And yet, we believe there is still room for politically viable gun legislation that will save lives.

Two horrific shootings occurred in Jacksonville Florida at the end of August 2018. Both tragic events occurred during football games, only about 5 miles from each other, and just days apart. The first shooting happened at a high school football game at Raines High School, where 99% of students are racial minorities. The shooting is believed to be gang related. The second shooting occurred at a video game football tournament in an open-air marketplace by a person from an affluent neighborhood.