On April 19, the University of Iowa faced high-risk danger after an unidentified individual opened fire near the college campus. The Iowa City Police Department police reports at least five individuals were injured from the attack.
The alleged shooter was identified as a 17-year-old student. The shooting left one hospitalized in critical condition and four at local medical facilities. Recent reports state that they are still looking for their suspect.
“Their lives have been forever changed by this senseless act of violence,” Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston said in a statement. “We pray for their full recovery and stand ready to support them in any way possible during this difficult time.”
In another incident closer to the Quad Cities, a stolen and loaded firearm was found in a backpack at Rock Island High School. The 16-year-old individual was escorted out of the building and arrested for possessing an illegal weapon.
As different perspectives on the matter of gun violence clash, people must stop pretending that these open fires are “out of our control.”
“School shootings have been normalized in American society to an unhealthy degree,” said senior Atharva Anthati. “Politicians need to reflect on the dangers that arise from it.”
When looking at both events, compared with shootings all across the United States (involving the death of Charlie Kirk and the two attempts at Donald Trump), these events have caused mass turmoil and stress to millions of Americans across the country.
Senior Prasanna Senthil Kumar comments on the need for gun control. “Increased gun regulation is important because it will prevent the deaths of innocent people. It is very sad to see students injured or pass sway because of uncontrolled gun regulation,” Kumar said.
At a certain point, a line must be drawn between gun control and an irresponsible level of freedom.
Junior Luca Botteri reflects his values on the matter. “I think it’s an example of how gun control isn’t strong enough in today’s society,” Botteri said. “We need more laws about how you can get a gun. Now, it’s way too easy to get them.”
Though these issues continue to prevail across the United States, Americans must work towards increasing gun control to protect citizens.
