From CNN - After a refreshingly quiet year in regards to mass shootings in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the US has experienced an alarmingly high number of shootings in recent days that have resulted in 20 innocent people being killed and an additional 26 innocent people being injured. The violent acts took place across six different states and are not believed to be connected in any direct way.
On Tuesday, March 16, eight people - six of whom were Asian women - were shot and killed by one gunman at three different spas in Atlanta, Georgia.
On Wednesday, March 17, five people were shot and injured in a drive-by shooting in Stockton, California, while preparing for vigil.
On Thursday, March 18, four people were shot and injured at a motel in Gresham, Oregon.
On Saturday, March 20, five people were shot and injured at a nightclub in Houston, Texas. In a separate incident, six people were shot - one person killed and five people injured - at a party in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In a third incident, eight people were shot - one person killed and seven people injured - at a nightclub in Dallas, Texas.
On Monday, March 22, 10 people were shot and killed at the King Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado.
On March 11, before the recent tragedies took place, Associated Press reported on the House of Representatives' passing of two bills that would expand background checks for gun sales. The two bills would require background checks on all firearms sales and transfers and allow an expanded 10-day review for gun purchases.
On March 23, Associated Press reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for the Senate to debate and address the "epidemic of gun violence," while President Joe Biden stated that the Senate "must confront a devastating truth" after a lack of congressional action on the issue for almost three decades.
With some Senate Democrats and likely all Senate Republicans opposing the proposed bills, it appears unlikely that the Senate will pass either bill.
Image from Associated Press
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