Gun Violence

In the wake of a string of high-profile mass shootings, including at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, Congress passed the most significant gun control measure in almost 30 years. The law expands background checks for gun buyers under the age of 21 and helps states establish so-called red flag laws intended to keep guns from those judged to be a danger to themselves or others, among other things. Gun control advocates say more needs to be done, including reinstating a ban on assault weapons and holding gun manufacturers more responsible. Opponents say the issue is people, not guns, and states need to better enforce their existing gun safety laws. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court took major action on gun control for the first time in more than a decade, striking down a New York law that limited carrying a concealed handgun. The ruling comes at a time when gun-related homicides hit their highest level in more than 25 years and gun-related suicides are on the rise.