Observe this Opinion piece: Solutions Exist to Prevent School Shootings, Yet Obstacles Persist.

In the wake of a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday, America is once again grappling with the devastating consequences of gun violence. Two innocent children lost their lives, and several others were left traumatized.

The shooting, perpetrated by a deranged individual with an arsenal of weapons and ammunition, has raised questions about the ease with which deadly weapons are accessible in the United States. Despite the high number of gun deaths in America – over 44,000 in 2024 alone – the belief that guns make people safer persists.

This incident is a stark reflection of the current state of gun control in the country. While right-wingers and gun enthusiasts argue that restrictive gun laws cannot be implemented due to the right to bear arms in the Constitution, organizations like the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) have successfully challenged such laws, leading to significant Supreme Court rulings.

However, the government's inaction to restrict access to weapons is seen as choosing guns over children and political talking points over basic common sense and decency. The lack of action has led to a situation where children are dying and being scarred for life due to the lack of restrictions on access to weapons.

It's important to note that the Constitution does not prevent the implementation of stricter gun laws. In fact, there are stricter safety restrictions and requirements for operating automobiles than for handling firearms in the U.S. Proposed regulations include measures such as time-limited licenses with psychological checks, age restrictions, mandatory involvement of dealers for certain firearm categories, reporting obligations for gun grips, and cooling-off periods before first-time purchases.

The U.S. could stop the deaths of children by implementing these measures, requiring training, and tracking weapons. The 10-year-old boy outside the school who described hearing shots and hiding under pews is a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue.

The shooting at Annunciation Catholic School was not stopped due to inadequate gun laws. It's time for America to take a stand against gun violence and prioritize the safety of its children over political ideologies and the right to bear arms.

Observe this Opinion piece: Solutions Exist to Prevent School Shootings, Yet Obstacles Persist.