There are no easy answers to mass shootings

Mass shootings are complex and there is no silver bullet solution, but we are scoffed at when we engage in the most powerful response.

Photo by Chip Vincent on Unsplash

On Tuesday, my heart broke during a break at work when I learned of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. At that time, there were not many details. However, when I arrived home, I learned that 19 children and two teachers were killed at Robb Elementary School.

What unfathomable grief the parents of those children are feeling right now and the families of the teachers, as well. No one goes about their day, whether going to school, church, or a grocery store, expecting to encounter a shooter.

What to do?

"We've got to do something," is a phrase I've seen a lot on social media recently.

"Thoughts and prayers are not enough," is another.

What to do?

Mass shootings are complex.

The 18-year-old white shooter in Buffalo, N.Y. (I will not use their names), traveled 200 miles to reach his target, obviously motivated by racism, and was radicalized from stuff he read on the dark web amid the social isolation of the pandemic.

The 68-year-old shooter of Chinese descent targeting members of a Taiwanese congregation in Laguna Woods, Calif., traveled from Las Vegas, Nv., motivated by a hatred of Taiwan.

We are not yet sure of the 18-year-old Latino shooter's motivation when he attacked the elementary school in Uvalde. However, we know he shot his grandmother in the face before going to the school.

But we've got to do something!

What?