Gun Violence, Mental Illness, and Background Checks: a Pressing Issue

Gun violence remains a significant threat to public safety across the United States, affecting thousands of lives each year. According to the Gun Violence Archive, in 2018 alone, there were 46,000 incidents of gun-related violence, resulting in 11,700 fatalities and 290 mass shootings where four or more people were killed in each incident. This staggering data underscores the urgent need for effective measures to curb gun violence. One crucial aspect that demands immediate attention is the inadequacy of background checks, which fail to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of those who pose the greatest risk, particularly criminals and individuals struggling with mental illness.

The Complexity of Gun Violence

Gun violence is a multifaceted issue, with incidents occurring for a variety of reasons. Mental illness is frequently associated with such violence. A study examining 235 mass killings, many involving firearms, found that 22 percent of the perpetrators were considered mentally ill (Qiu, Linda, and Bank, Justin). This statistic indicates that approximately 50 of these mass killings were linked to mental health issues, highlighting the potential for future tragedies if this issue is not addressed.

The role of mental illness in mass shootings is further underscored by a report on 25 mass school shootings since the Columbine massacre and the 160 active shooter incidents in the United States between 2000 and 2013. The report reveals that mental health concerns were often a factor (Mihalek). This pattern suggests that addressing mental health is a critical component in reducing gun violence.

Challenges in Background Checks

As discussions about gun control continue to dominate public discourse, a key concern remains how individuals obtain firearms. Background checks serve as the primary mechanism for determining whether a person is eligible to purchase a gun. However, these checks frequently fall short in providing comprehensive information necessary to prevent firearms from reaching violent individuals. A glaring example is the case of Dylann Roof, who, despite a prior arrest for drug abuse, was able to purchase a gun and subsequently kill nine people in a Charleston, South Carolina church (Mihalek). This case illustrates the severe shortcomings of background checks, as Roof's arrest was not detected, allowing him to obtain a firearm.

Similarly, the case of Devin Kelley, who was discharged from the Air Force for domestic abuse, further highlights the inadequacies of the current background check system. Kelley's record was not properly communicated by the Air Force, enabling him to purchase a firearm and kill two dozen people at a Texas church (Mihalek). These cases demonstrate that even individuals with documented histories of violent behavior can slip through the cracks of the current system, posing a significant risk to public safety.

Addressing Mental Illness and Firearm Access

The intersection of mental illness and gun violence presents a complex challenge. Many mass shootings are perpetrated by individuals with mental health issues. For example, the Parkland, Florida school shooting involved a gunman who had been expelled from school due to violent tendencies, raising concerns among the school's administration (Mihalek). This case highlights the need for more thorough background checks that include assessments of a person's mental health history, such as school expulsions and documented violent behavior.

While some may argue that such measures infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of individuals, it is essential to balance the right to bear arms with the need to protect public safety. The Second Amendment states, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed" (Strasser). However, it is crucial to ensure that firearms are only accessible to those who can responsibly exercise this right. Background checks play a vital role in this process by identifying individuals with a history of criminal activity or mental health issues that could pose a threat to others.

Moving Forward: Stricter Background Checks

Before considering extreme measures such as banning firearms, the first step should be to implement stricter background checks. The current system, which has been in place for over twenty-five years, allows criminals and individuals with mental health issues to circumvent the checks and obtain firearms. Introducing more rigorous background checks would make it more difficult for these individuals to bypass the system, thereby reducing the risk of gun violence.

In conclusion, gun violence remains a pervasive issue in the United States, with mental illness and inadequate background checks playing significant roles in the problem. By implementing more thorough background checks and addressing the mental health aspects of gun violence, we can take meaningful steps toward reducing the incidence of gun-related tragedies. It is imperative that we find a balance between protecting individual rights and ensuring the safety of the public, ultimately creating a safer society for all.

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