There were 127 mass shootings in the United States between Jan. 1 and Mar. 1,  of 2023.  That’s 127 mass shootings in only 90 days.  In 2022, around 4 people in the U.S were killed each day due to mass shootings.

The United States is number one in firearms per capita, meaning we have the most firearms per person or area, in the world.  We also have the most homicides by firearms out of the rest of the world’s more developed nations.  

On Feb. 13, 2023, there was a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU).  The perpetrator, Anthony McRae, opened fire in two buildings on campus.  Five students were left in critical condition, and even worse, three were killed.  Many Loy Norrix alumni attend MSU and were on campus during the time of the shooting.  

MSU freshman Georgia Hill is one of the many Norrix alumni that had to take cover on campus during the shooting. 

Hill recalls the worst part of the night was when they were told to go into full lockdown mode.  They had to close their blinds, barricade doors, and turn off the lights.

“I was pretty terrified because we were mostly just confused because there was so much false information,” said Hill.  

After a high number of mass shootings in 2022, national discussion about tighter restrictions on the availability of firearms and ammunition began to increase.  Pew Research states that in America, around 50% of people believe gun violence is a growing issue, and stricter gun laws may help that problem.  Much of the public has supported possible new restrictions of assault weapons, but Congress has been unable to pass anything that will make drastic changes.  

According to AAMC, the homicide rate in the United States increased by 33% in 2020.  The U.S experienced 647 mass shootings in 2022. There have been 132 mass shootings in the United States alone since the start of 2023, as of Apr. 2, 2023.  Two hundred and five people have been killed and 489 more have been injured.  Gun violence is currently the number one cause of death of children (ages 1-19 years) in the U.S.  

The skyrocketing numbers of mass shootings in the U.S have many people on edge, especially in public spaces.  

“You wouldn’t think that it would happen to places around you, but it actually can really easily and it has been.  That’s something people should be thinking about more,” said freshman Maci Gast. “It’s pretty scary because there’s been shootings pretty close to Kalamazoo and stuff like that. I think it’s something that people should be more aware of.”

Compared to other countries, it’s very easy to purchase a firearm in the United States.  In the U.S, you must pass a background check that considers your immigration status, incidents of domestic violence, and criminal convictions.  Other than that, buyers only have to show a valid identification card, typically a passport or driver’s license, to be able to purchase a gun or other high class weapons. 

Other countries have much stricter rules when it comes to purchasing a firearm.  For example, in Japan, you need to pass two very in-depth background reviews, get a note from your doctor proving that your mental health is stable, pass a written exam, and apply for a firing permit and a gunpowder permit.  On top of all that paperwork, buyers must take firearm and firing classes.  Applicants must also get a certificate of approval from the sales person, purchase a gun safe and an ammunition locker and allow the police to inspect safety precautions, even if it’s after purchasing the firearm.  

One month after the shooting at Michigan State University, the university implemented new security protocols to help ensure the students and staff’s safety and comfort.  According to ClickOnDetroit, campus buildings will not be accessible without a key card between 6 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.  Certain buildings will be opened only on weekdays, and more security cameras with better software will be installed all throughout the campus.  

Although these changes satisfied some students, many are still looking for change.  Not only at the school, but also in the country as a whole. 

“In a perfect world, big gun companies wouldn’t be allowed to produce these weapons of mass destruction, and also we would have way stricter laws about who is allowed to obtain a gun,” said Hill.  “In my opinion, I don’t think anyone should have a gun unless it’s a hunting rifle.”

Millions of people all around the country are demanding change, but little to nothing is being done to help them feel safer in their communities. 

 “I feel like things like this are always going to happen.  The problem is the people that have the power to stop this stuff aren’t doing anything,” Hill said.