Mass Shootings and Gun Violence in America Issues and Perspectives

Shooting incidents such as the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012 and the one at Aurora, CO, movie theatre in July 2012 have focused attention on federal policy issues in the law enforcement, public health, and education arenas. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has identified 78 public mass shootings that have occurred in the United States since 1983. These shootings have claimed almost 550 lives according to CRS estimates. Most gun owners buy their guns legally and use them safely, whether for self-defence, hunting, or sport shooting. Yet too often, irresponsible and dangerous individuals have been able to easily get their hands on firearms. Efforts must be strengthened to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. This book focuses on mass shootings and gun violence in America with select implications they have for federal policy in the areas of public health and safety. While such crimes most directly impact particular citizens in very specific communities, addressing these violent episodes involves officials at all levels of government and professionals from numerous disciplines.