There’s Nothing ‘Shocking’ About Mass Shootings

There’s Zero Reason for Surprise

Photo by Gayatri Malhotra on Unsplash

Since 2009, and the Columbine mass murder in an elementary school, the vast majority of mass shootings have followed basically the same script:

• Disgruntled and socially awkward guy
• A large cache of ammunition and assault rifles legally bought
• Hidden or public writings that are ranting manifestos on issues like— women, government, sex, and minorities, among others
• Warning signs from a host of community members, but no actionable events that would pull them off the streets
• A city or town official expressing horror, sadness, and shock that a shooting could happen in ‘this place.’

There have been hundreds, not dozens of towns ravaged by guns. A vast number of communities have been shaken by gun violence in the last 15 years.

Before I go further, I don’t mean to sound callous. I’m heartbroken about the state of events in the United States. I’m devastated for the families and the victims. I lament and cry in anguish. It’s awful. Horrific. Inhumane.

But shocking? Sadly, not anymore.

What is shocking is the absolute political intractability of this situation. One would think that given the…