Despite Pandemic Precautions, 2020 Sees a Rise in Gun Violence

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the news cycles, mass shootings are on the rise in the United States. According to recent data, mass shootings in 2020 rose 35% compared to those that occurred in 2019.

According to the Gun Violence Archives (GVA), 2019 saw 417 mass shootings across the year, whereas 2020 has thus far experienced 562 mass shootings. From 2014, the GVA recorded less than 400 shootings per year, indicating a significant uptick for this year in particular — in spite of the fact that schools and public places have been closed in light of the pandemic.

Although the government-induced shutdowns would theoretically cause less opportunity for mass shootings to occur, an understanding of both the heated political climate within the nation and access to firearms could reveal more about why 2020’s numbers are so high. It is important to note that GVA defines mass shootings as shooting incidents that include a minimum of four victims, whether or not their injuries were fatal. This number must exclude the shooter, regardless of whether the shooter was injured or killed during the attack. GVA’s definition also includes incidents regardless of their potential motives or scenarios. This means that gang-related violence, criminal activity, and family disputes can all fall under the umbrella term of “mass shootings.”

Although the Mother Jones and Mass Shootings in America databases indicate some lower numbers than GVA does, all three reveal a higher instance of mass shootings in 2020 than in 2019.

Understanding Motivations Behind Mass Shootings

As previously mentioned, when following the GVA’s definition of mass shootings, there are a number of potential motivations for mass shootings. These could include individual motivations that don’t inform the national rise in gun violence. Potential theories regarding the rise in gun violence do exist, though the issue is rather complex.

There is a growing perception of a crime wave in the United States, along with a perception that law enforcement cannot deal with this theoretical wave effectively. This is because law enforcement has been preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic. The reality is that, though there has been a 500% increase in the inmate population across the last 40 years, there has been an overall decrease in crimes being committed.

But that is not so relevant to general attitudes as is perception. Anxieties regarding personal safety and the sense that law enforcement has been unable to handle to efficiently protect people has led to the acceptance of self-defense. Furthermore, stress and fear make individuals more likely to react quickly, becoming defensive more hastily than they normally would.

Furthermore, 2020 has been host to widespread protests and mass gatherings despite COVID-19 precautions. During these gatherings, tensions can be high and firearms are often brandished. Some states also possess open-carry laws, which means that these guns are readily visible and intimidating — presenting an easy way to instigate violence. Another stressor to consider is the fact that 2020 has been an election year (and a particularly contentious election year, at that). Americans have become increasingly tense over political issues and divided by causes. The FBI actually declared that the period of September 2020 to the inauguration in January 2021 could be a potential flashpoint for gun violence. This was based on an intelligence report concerning extreme threats from far-right militias.

There is more to be concerned about regarding gun violence in the United States than the distribution of guns alone. In fact, countries with gun-ownership rates similar to the United States have fewer mass shootings and other incidents of gun violence. One thing that needs to be considered is the way that Americans treat guns compared to the ways those countries with similar ownership rates treat guns.

Changes in Gun Ownership

It should be noted that gun ownership did, in fact, change during 2020. There was an increase in firearms sales across the U.S. during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of those buying guns were first-time buyers, which suggests not only increased artillery but an increased interest in gun ownership. An estimated 1.3 million handguns and 700,000 rifles and shotguns were sold by August 2020. That August actually was the fifth-highest month on record in terms of gun sales, and in general, 2020 saw a 60% increase in American gun sales.

There are background checks required for firearms, but the strictness in requirements for background checks can vary from state to state. What’s more, there may be certain loopholes that are applicable. Some of these loopholes have allowed sellers to sell firearms to people who haven’t been properly screened. Due to the influx in sales, the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System actually wasn’t able to accommodate the increased pressure and therefore wasn’t able to provide background checks in a timely manner. This led to gun sellers being able to use loopholes in order to sell guns to those with “inconclusive” results.

Different areas experienced more of an increase in gun sales than others. The District of Columbia, for example, experienced a 449% increase in gun sales in 2020. When first-time buyers in particular buy guns, it could be a sign of people buying guns for a specific singular purpose. Although not all of the 3.6 million wounds reported in the U.S. each year have to do with gun violence, it makes sense that a sizable portion of them do in light of increased mass shoots.

There are also plenty of gun sales that go unrecorded. Guns can be sold online or at gun fairs, and even at garage sales. Guns that are sold in “kit form” and put together after their sales are not even classified as firearms by the ATF as of yet.

Contributing Factors to Gun Violence

Gun violence in general results from numerous factors. Some shooters specifically wish to be famous. Becoming perpetrators of mass violence can give these people the notoriety they wish for. Although mental illness has been linked to mass shootings by the media, less than 30% of all active shooter attacks have been linked to mental illness. Although many mass shooters have personality disorders, personality disorders are not technically mental illnesses.

The current climate of the United States may lend itself to gun violence. It remains to be seen if 2020’s climate predicts a continued increase in mass shootings. While accidental injury remains the third-leading cause of death in the United States, Americans should remain concerned about mass shootings. Mental health, increased availability of guns, and tense political climates could be linked to the increase in mass shootings. What is clear is that this crisis must be addressed by the United States government if there is to be any respite.