US Iowa School Shooting: 1 Child Dead, 5 Students Injured; Suspect Commits Suicide

In Iowa, a 17-year-old teenager shot at a school, resulting in the death of a child and injuries to five others, according to police reports. The alleged perpetrator of the attack has been found dead, raising concerns of a possible suicide after committing the crime.

Principal Targeted in School Shooting

According to local media reports, the incident occurred on Thursday at 7:30 AM local time. The principal of Perry School was also targeted and injured in the shooting. One victim’s condition is critical, while the others are reported to be stable.

America’s Ownership of Guns and Its Implications

The United States leads globally in civilian gun ownership, with approximately 393 million civilian-owned guns out of a total of 857 million worldwide, as reported by Switzerland’s Small Arms Survey. Although the U.S. constitutes only 5% of the world’s population, it possesses 46% of the world’s civilian-owned guns.

Gun Culture in America

A significant portion of the American population, around 44% of adults, live in households with guns, according to Gallup surveys from October 2020. Among these gun-owning adults, approximately one-third personally own firearms. In 2019, there were 63,000 licensed gun dealers in the U.S., collectively selling firearms worth 83 billion USD to American citizens.

Challenges in Changing America’s Gun Culture

Despite being more than two centuries since the Second Amendment was ratified in 1791, America has been unable to alter its gun culture for two primary reasons. Firstly, many Americans, from the President to state governors, actively support preserving this cultural aspect. Secondly, gun manufacturers, also known as the gun lobby, play a crucial role in sustaining this culture due to their vested interests.

The Right to Bear Arms in American Constitution

The right to bear arms was granted to American citizens under the Second Amendment to the Constitution in 1791. At that time, there was no standing army, making it essential for individuals to be armed for their own and their family’s protection. While the circumstances have changed, the right to own firearms for personal security remains protected by law in the United States.