Highland Park shooting on July 4, during an Independence Day Parade, is the latest in a long line of tragic mass shootings in the United States of America (USA).
At least six people were killed and 30 wounded after a gunman on a rooftop opened fire on an Independence Day parade in Highland Park in suburban Chicago, sending hundreds of marchers, parents with strollers, and children on bicycles fleeing in terror.
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The suspect remained on the loose for hours after the incident as authorities scoured the area and police surrounded a home listed as his possible address.
The July 4 shooting was just the latest to shatter the rituals of American life. Schools, churches, grocery stores and now community parades have all become killing grounds in recent months.
This time, the bloodshed came as the USA tried to find cause to celebrate its founding and the bonds that still hold it together.
The shooting occurred at a spot on the parade route where many residents had staked out prime viewing points early in the day for the annual celebration.
Dozens of fired bullets sent hundreds of parade-goers – some visibly bloodied – fleeing.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said at a news conference;
It is devastating that a celebration of America was ripped apart by our uniquely American plague.
I’m furious because it does not have to be this way… while we celebrate the Fourth of July just once a year, mass shootings have become a weekly – yes, weekly – American tradition.
The USA has the highest number of mass shootings than any other country in the world, sparking passionate debate about gun laws and what to do to prevent such tragedies.
Here’s a look at how many mass shootings have taken place in USA so far in 2022.
A mass shooting is defined as an incident where four or more people are shot. So far this year, the numbers average out to 11 mass shootings per week. 2021 saw a total of 692 mass shootings throughout the year.
Looking back over the first half of 2022, here is a full list of the mass shootings that have taken place in America this year, organised by month:
- January: 41 mass shootings, 59 dead, 128 wounded
- February: 43 mass shootings, 40 dead, 174 wounded
- March: 52 mass shootings, 47 dead, 217 wounded
- April: 66 mass shootings, 75 dead, 271 wounded
- May: 67 mass shootings, 87 dead, 324 wounded
- June: 68 mass shootings, 78 dead, 275 wounded
These numbers accumulate to a total of 386 people dead and 1,389 people wounded.
So what so great about this country land of the free. Can’t walk out the door of your own home, go shopping, school, the movies, worship, or even celebrate without having a bullet with your name on it. Everything about what you stand for is insular. Maybe it’s time to grow up.