Yahoo News Explains: Where America stands on gun control
Gun control has become an unavoidable topic in America.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, more than 15,000 people were fatally shot last year. Of those, 344 were killed in mass shootings — including 58 people who died in the deadliest shooting, which occurred in Las Vegas.
While the right to bear arms is protected by the Second Amendment of the Constitution, state laws governing who can get a gun and how differ.
New York, for example, requires background checks for all firearm purchasers, and all ammunition sales must be recorded and reported. The state also banned assault weapons and gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds.
Meanwhile, Texas allows open carry without a permit but prohibits weapons in several types of places, such as hospitals, voting sites and places of religious worship.
“If there was an armed guard inside the temple, they would have been able to stop him,” President Trump said following the deadly synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27.
A new poll from Gallup indicates that 61% of Americans favor stricter gun laws. But despite majority support, it’s still a partisan issue in the political sphere.
Trump continues to criticize Democrats, alleging that they’re trying to take guns away from people. “They want to take away your Second Amendment,” he said at a recent rally.
Many Democrats called for reform following the synagogue shooting in Pittsburg that killed 11 people. Rep. Nancy Pelosi said, “Congress must finally act on common sense, bipartisan gun violence prevention legislation.”
As mass shootings become a near norm in American society, the gun debate will go on and on.
