Introduction
Virginia Tech graduate Nathan Hernandez comforts Randa Samaha a day after the April 16 massacre of 32 students and teachers at the Blacksburg school. Samaha's sister Reema was among the victims. (AFP/Getty Images/Mannie Garcia)
|
The shooting rampage at Virginia Tech on April 16 has raised new questions about safety on college campuses and renewed the nation's perennial debate on gun control. Virginia Tech officials face questions about whether the 32 deaths could have been prevented or limited by more effective police action at the time or by more proactive steps earlier to deal with shooter Seung-Hui Cho's history of mental disturbance. Nationally, the incident has focused attention on how to reduce gun violence, which annually claims around 30,000 lives — 82 each day, far more than twice the Virginia Tech toll. A bill to strengthen the federal background-check system for gun purchasers is gaining support on Capitol Hill, even from the powerful National Rifle Association. But some gun advocates want states to ease weapons laws. They argue that allowing more people to carry weapons will deter gun crimes and enable potential victims to protect themselves.
|
|
Gun Control and the Second Amendment |
|
 |
Aug. 05, 2022 |
Gun Violence |
 |
Jul. 27, 2018 |
Gun Violence |
 |
Jan. 27, 2017 |
Guns on Campus |
 |
Mar. 08, 2013 |
Gun Control |
 |
Oct. 31, 2008 |
Gun Rights Debates  |
 |
May 25, 2007 |
Gun Violence |
 |
Nov. 12, 2004 |
Gun Control Debate |
 |
Dec. 19, 1997 |
Gun Control Standoff |
 |
Jun. 10, 1994 |
Gun Control |
 |
Mar. 22, 1991 |
Reassessing the Nation's Gun Laws |
 |
Nov. 13, 1987 |
Gun Control |
 |
Dec. 13, 1985 |
Guns in America: the Debate Continues |
 |
Jul. 19, 1972 |
Gun Control: Recurrent Issue |
 |
Nov. 11, 1959 |
Firearms Control |
| | |
|