The Giver's Guide Fall 2024 Issue - Gun Violence

TIM E IS R U N NIN G O U T

Contents 01 Beyond Laws: How Gun Culture Shapes Violence

By Claire Kim

05 The Invisible Threat

By Doyoung Lee

07 History of Gun Violence

By Adeline Ho & Amber Wang

12 WAVE: Organization Highlight

By May Shen

15 Take It By The Numbers

By Kian Khazei

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School Shootings

By May Shen & Taite Nicholson

22 The Real Impact of Mental Illness on Gun Violence

By Taite Nicholson

25 Gun Control in Newport Beach

By Finely Maynard

34 The Crossfire: Domestic Violence and Guns

By Mei Mahon, Saffiya Sarwono, & Kami Motahari

BEYOND LAWS: HOW GUN CULTURE SHAPES VIOLENCE 09 May, 2026

By Claire Kim

Gun culture is defined as the interaction of both individuals and institutions, implicitly and explicitly, with firearms.

While a myriad of agents, including flawed legislative action, gang violence, and negligent storage, perpetuates gun violence, what if gun culture is the critical factor?

Gun violence exists virtually everywhere in the world, but the severity of firearm issues varies by country. While some may believe that elaborately written gun laws guarantee low homicide rates, it is a country's cultural attitudes towards government institutions and firearms that greatly influence the level of gun violence. Indeed, just because most citizens own guns does not mean that they are automatically more likely to engage in violent behavior. This article will compare and contrast gun regulations and cultures in three countries—Brazil, Switzerland, South Korea—with one possessing high homicide rates and the other two with relatively few, respectively. By providing information on overlooked factors that affect countries' gun violence occurrences, this analysis attempts to bring light to the connection between socio-political culture and firearm ownership and management.

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Understanding a country’s sociopolitical culture, evolution, and structure is essential before learning about its gun regulations. Low gunviolence countries such as South Korea and Switzerland possess shared socio-political attitudes. For instance, South Korea’s fundamental values lie in its history of Confucianism.

Confucianism is a deep-rooted characteristic in Korea that emphasizes communal responsibility, submission to authority, respect for elders, and adherence to established orders. As a result of Confucian values embedded within society, it can be easier for South Korean authorities to create, enforce, and amend federal laws that will serve the greater good of the community.

On the other hand, South America has a 09 May, 2026 long history of political corruption and unstable civil societies due to colonization, wars, and economic deficiencies. Consequently, compared to South Korea’s, Brazil’s government inevitably has a stricter time enforcing national laws and regulating individual citizen choices around using firearms illegally. With this information in mind, consider the specific historical contexts and contemporary gun cultures in South Korea, Brazil, and Switzerland.

In 2019, Brazil ranked #1 for the country with the highest gun violence statistics, with about 21.6% death rate per 100,000 inhabitants. Many of Brazil's gun homicides stem from drug cartels, oil theft, and trafficking. Due to the longperpetuated illegal weapon leakage from the United States to South America, criminals in Brazil (and other countries) have more accessible means to obtain dangerous weapons.

Brazil's main problem is its weak provisioning system, or to be broad, its governmental capabilities to maintain security and safety for all. Despite the new President, Lula da Silva, working tediously to restrict gun ownership, his efforts have not diminished the shootings.

Conversely, Switzerland, a nation with one of the highest gun ownership rates in the world, encounters little to no violence issues concerning firearms. They had a 0.2% homicide rate in 2022, even though the government issued more than 45,000 gun permits. These two nations possess strikingly different gun statistics when both have high gun ownership rates.

Across the globe, there are countries like South Korea and Japan that have established harsh limitations on gun ownership. South Korea restricts firearm use specifically for professionals such as the police, armed forces, and hunters.

Virtually all ordinary citizens can only access guns if given a special permit by the national government. In effect, South Korea only had 0.02 homicides per every 100K people in 2019.

Of the various factors that affect gun violence, gun culture is one of the most important and discussed factors contributing to the differences in countries' experience with firearm violence. To start, Swiss citizens obtain guns solely to hunt, shoot, or defend the country, not for personal defense purposes.

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They teach young children gun safety 09 May, 2026 and necessary skills and have mandatory military service, which encourages the Swiss to take guns seriously and understand that using guns requires professional training and permission from the government. Because Swiss citizens generally have high trust and respect towards government officials to protect the country and regulate firearms, they don't feel the need to defend themselves. In other words, the Swiss acknowledge that the state, not ordinary individuals, controls the monopoly of force. Switzerland even hosts annual shooting competitions where citizens compete using their shooting abilities. There has not been much issue during these shooting competitions, demonstrating that Swiss citizens possess the correct mindset and tactics for safe gun ownership and practice. In addition to its unique cultural regulations and mindset regarding firearms, Switzerland has a homogeneous racial makeup: almost 80% of the population identifies as Swiss or European, while only 16.7% identify as "other" than European ethnicities. Most citizens are multilingual and can communicate and understand others from diverse backgrounds. As it has been proven that the heterogenous racial composition of a country usually increases the likelihood of violence and conflict, it is not surprising that the Swiss experience less gun violence compared to other more racially diverse nations. If there is one reason why

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Brazil has frequent gun homicides, it's partly due to its low trust in the police force and state government. Examine South Korea: Korea has not always been a low gun-violence country, especially during the immediate aftermath period of the Korean War. S.K.'s gun control laws began in 1961 after the Korean War, which served to reduce gun violence by confiscating civilian-owned guns and storing arms exclusively in official police stations. Not only was the country worried about ordinary citizens using guns, but the constant push and pull between different Gun cultures shape laws, and gun laws shape the culture. All aspects of gun control influence the amount of gun violence in a nation, from society's attitudes to governmental laws –they're interconnected and codependent. Gun laws and culture vary from country to country based on citizen norms and historical perspectives.

That being said, it's crucial to spot and process how gun laws vary amongst different types of gun violence countries to understand why legislative measures are so necessary.

Brazil's laws state that one must be 25 or older to qualify for firearm ownership.

In addition, age qualifiers must possess a reason statement, complete a criminal background check, receive proper training, and have a mental health checkup. Once individuals acquire guns, they must register them with the federal police and obtain user permits every decade. Only professionals can carry guns in public, but evidently, this law is

not engrained in criminals' minds 09 May, 2026 throughout society. South Korea is quite the opposite – its gun laws are nonnegotiable, making it a highly anti-gunfriendly country. Firearm possession is strictly limited to public officials trained or required to hold guns, such as policemen and armed forces; thus, selling and manufacturing firearms is prohibited without a permit. Anyone without a license who owns, sells, exports, or manufactures firearms or a firearm imitation (e.g., toy guns) can be put in, at most, ten years in jail and be burdened with 20 million won as punishment.

There are also severe punishments for those who fail to adhere to an executive order, refuse to get inspected, obtain a fraudulent permit, make a false firearm acquisition report, or attempt to transport guns to another place or country.

Switzerland has gun laws similar to those of South Korea, where individuals must be over 18 and have no criminal records or violent behavior reports to own a permit-requiring gun. To carry a gun in public, people also need firearm acquisition permits and an official record proving their competence with gun use.

Long-established and well-respected laws help South Korea and Switzerland remain relatively safe for citizens. High gun-violence countries can adopt several South Korean gun policies, such as extensive background checks and required renewals of permits, regular checkups for anyone possessing or who has access to firearms, and mandatory professional training permits to acquire guns. Furthermore, South Korea and Switzerland experience little turmoil when political power changes. On the contrary, Brazil needs help adapting to law amendments that come with government changes.

In the face of weak law enforcement and heated political rivalry, Brazil will continue to struggle to become a gunsafe society. A significant amount of media influence, propaganda, and bribery augment the instability surrounding firearm acquisition and usage laws. Despite President Lula’s strict opposition to gun ownership, violence is rampant in Brazil's streets as powerful armed groups take control of civilian markets and communities.

The lingering question is: Are gun cultures static? Or can they change for the better with combined citizen and government efforts?

Although fundamental cultural principles of gun violence are deeply ingrained in contemporary societies, the world must observe if these institutionalized practices and attitudes around guns remain static or evolve in some way or another.

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Mia Tretta woke up on the morning of November 14, 2019, thinking this day would be like any other. She was chatting with her friends at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita before numerous gunshots were fired, with one hitting her in the lower abdomen. She was lucky to make it out alive, but two of her classmates were not as lucky. It was in the hospital nearly dying that she first heard of ghost guns, the weapon used in the shooting of her and her classmates. Mia and her classmates are all part of the growing list of victims impacted by the increasing prevalence of ghost guns.

Privately owned and homemade firearms, known as ghost guns, have contributed to the highest rate of firearm-related homicides in recent years, claiming 46,728 lives in 2023 alone.

Ghost guns are constructed as kits or separate pieces and are therefore unregistered and untraceable, often sold to those who don’t fit the strict requirements of legal gun ownership. Components for ghost guns can also be made by 3D printing, further increasing their accessibility to the public. Not only are ghost guns untraceable, but they are also inexpensive. AR-15 kits have been sold on the internet for as little as $345. One of the most popular ghost gun 05

companies is Polymer80, which has a chokehold over ghost guns in major cities.

Independent sellers like Polymer80 don’t run background checks or verify a buyer's identity, increasingly selling to criminals and America’s youth

This newfound accessibility to murder weapons in children as young as thirteen increased gun deaths among children and teenagers by 50 percent in two years, from 1,732 in 2019 to 2,590 in 2021. Overall, police nationwide seized over 19,000 ghost guns in 2021, tenfold the amount seized back in 2017.

With the increasing number of ghost guns and the rising awareness of these dangers, the Biden Administration created new laws in 2022 to serialize existing and privately made firearms. They started pushing

background checks for customers and federal licenses for manufacturers.

Similarly, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives also redefined gun components as firearms in 2022 to place stricter requirements on gun parts.

Government regulation of ghost guns also varies across state boundaries, with strict regulations enforced in 15 states.

This includes California, which requires serial numbers and background checks for all parts and demands that all finished ghost guns be reported to officials.

Some argue that the availability of ghost guns should be protected by the 2nd Amendment, which states that “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.” Recently, there has been significant pushback to a 2022 rule change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to bring gun parts and assembly kits under the regulations of the Gun Control Act of 1968. In the case Garland v. VanDerStok, the Supreme Court will decide whether the ATF’s 2022 rule change exceeds its statutory authority.

On August 1, 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the district court's determination that ATF overstepped its authority by modifying the Gun Control Act of 1968. Not only is this case a pivotal decision on the national regulation of ghost guns,

it also challenges the regulatory authority of agencies like the ATF as they intensify efforts to curb gun ownership and violence.

This underscores a critical question: as firearm technology advances, should legislation evolve to address modern threats, even if it challenges long-held interpretations of the Second Amendment and foundational principles of our nation's history?

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Timeline From the early militias to the tragic rise of modern mass shootings, America’s relationship with guns has grown increasingly complex. As gun violence has surged, it has become one of the nation’s most pressing issues. By examining key events, legislation, and movements throughout history, we can trace the impact firearms have had on American society.

By Adeline Ho and Amber Wang

America’s gun culture started in the colonial times when militias were needed to protect people from Native Americans, foreign tribes, and bandits.

In 1791, the Second Amendment was passed, giving citizens the right to “keep and bear arms.” Guns back then were very simple, like muskets, and there weren’t many laws about guns, except for some rules about militias. Overall, people had pretty easy access to guns compared to now.

The Rise of Industrial Gun Manufacturing (1860s–1900s): A Nation Armed

The Birth of Gun Rights (1700s–1800s): The Second Amendment and Early Gun Laws

After the Civil War, gun manufacturing became a huge industry. Companies like Winchester and Remington made faster and better guns, and many people owned firearms for hunting or protection. There were still hardly any gun regulations, even though gun violence started increasing as the U.S. expanded west and there were more conflicts with Native American tribes.

The Early 20th Century: Federal Gun Laws and Organized Crime As cities grew, organized crime did too, leading to more gun violence. This forced the government to pass the first big gun laws, like the National Firearms Act in 1934 and the Federal Firearms Act in 1938.

These laws were aimed at reducing the use of dangerous weapons, like machine guns, which were being used by criminals during this time.

Post-War America and the Gun Control Act of 1968: A Turning Point

The 1960s brought a lot of changes, including calls for stronger gun control after the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. This led to the Gun Control Act of 1968, which made it harder for felons, minors, and people with mental illnesses to buy guns, and required stricter rules for gun dealers.

Mass Shootings: A Modern Epidemic (1980s–Present)

In the 1980s, mass shootings started becoming a terrible and common part of American life. These tragic events often involve semi-automatic weapons, and they’ve only gotten worse over time.

Laws like the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 were created to require background checks before buying guns, but when the Federal Assault Weapons Ban expired in 2004, the debate over gun control became even more heated.

The Paradox of Stricter Gun Laws and Rising Violence Even though more gun laws have been passed, gun violence hasn’t gone away. Some believe this is because it’s still easy to get guns illegally, and groups like the NRA make it difficult to pass stricter laws. Also, the availability of modern weapons, like AR-15s, makes shootings deadlier. It’s a tough situation because the country is so divided on what the best solution is.

The Role of Activist Movements While the NRA has been a huge voice for gun rights, there are also strong movements fighting for stricter gun control. Groups like March for Our Lives, started by survivors of the Parkland school shooting, and Moms Demand Action are leading protests and pushing for laws that would require background checks for all gun buyers and limit high-capacity magazines.

Modern Gun Violence and COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic saw a sharp rise in gun violence. With lockdowns, economic stress, and heightened fear, gun sales skyrocketed.

In 2020 alone, the US experienced over 19,000 gun-related deaths—the highest in decades. The surge in violence during this period raises critical questions about the intersection of public health crises and gun ownership, highlighting societal instability as a major factor in modern gun violence. Unlike previous decades, this period emphasized the role of social unrest rather than technological advancements alone.

Conclusion Gun violence in America isn’t just about numbers—it’s part of the country’s identity and culture. In the past, there weren’t many gun laws, and violence was less common. But with more advanced guns and the rise of mass shootings, things have changed a lot. The U.S. is still very divided on how to handle gun violence, but understanding the history behind it is an important step in finding a solution.

ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT

By May Shen Taite and I met Julia Demlow, co-chair of WAVE's (Women for American Values and Ethics) Gun Safety Action Group, a month ago for an interview at a local Starbucks on Goldenrod Ave. and Pacific Coast Highway.

After finishing her morning walk, Demlow greeted us warmly, holding a cup of coffee, still in her baseball cap and yoga leggings.

Two hours prior, Taite and I arrived at the café porch to review our interview questions and the key statistics from our research, ensuring a solid foundation for our conversation with Demlow. I had ordered my usual matcha latte, and Taite had her hot chai. Quickly in preparation, we reviewed WAVE's gun policy research and finalized statistics of potential catalysts of firearm violence, which we sourced from news and research publications. Our questions culminated in three categories: how WAVE advocates for gun safety in our community, what challenges California faces in gun safety in comparison to neighboring states, and the social and economic impacts of gun violence. After introducing ourselves as student journalists dedicated to raising awareness about often-overlooked social issues in our community

and advocating for solutions, Demlow shared her passion for this cause. As both an activist and a mother, she emphasized the importance of educating the youth about current events and supporting their understanding of these issues.

Demlow explained how WAVE works at the municipal and state levels, driving change through passing legislation and education. "Last year, we tracked 53 gun safety bills and actively participated in 12 of those bills," Demow proudly announced. However, WAVE mostly leaves the national endorsement to organizations like Everytown and Brady United; they still amplify their voices by working hand-in-hand with these organizations and being proponents of common gun-safety laws.

In her discussion, Demlow points to ghost guns as a significant issue in gun safety, given their rapid technological evolution and unregulated accessibility. These firearms, often sold as assembly kits, evade typical legal controls, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace them due to the lack of background checks and serial numbers. "And it's not like a Legos kit where all the parts are mixed up, and you have to figure out how to put it together…You open the box, and the gun is fully there; you just have to screw in some pieces, and you'll have a fully functioning firearm," Demlow stated. This ease of acquisition and unregulated status has allowed ghost guns to become a prominent choice for those looking to avoid standard purchasing procedures California, recognizing the threat posed by ghost guns, has updated its legislation to classify them as firearms, which subjects them to

the exact regulatory requirements as traditional guns. However, Demlow stresses that this is only a temporary solution as technology, especially 3D printing, continues to advance, creating new challenges for lawmakers. She emphasizes the need for constant updates to legislation to address these emerging technologies that could render existing laws ineffective.

State-level gun control faces significant challenges due to the inconsistent laws across the United States. While California has implemented strict gun regulations, its efforts are undermined by neighboring states with more lenient policies.

Firearms can easily be transported across state lines, weakening California's laws and posing ongoing risks to public safety. This patchwork of regulations limits the impact of individual states' laws, underscoring the need for national legislation. Only with standardized gun laws, Demlow argues, can states like California see a meaningful reduction in gun violence and counter the ssues posed by interstate firearm trafficking.

Furthermore, the social and economic toll of gun violence in California exceeds $8 billion annually, encompassing lost wages, legal costs, and decreased property values in affected areas, imposing a severe financial burden on both state and local communities. Beyond financial losses, the enduring emotional impact, particularly on

young people, reflects an ingrained fear of mass shootings. Demlow illustrates this through a personal story: despite a credible threat to her school, her daughter attended, feeling that a mass shooting was almost inevitable. This tragic resignation, shared by many young people, demonstrates how gun violence shapes the collective consciousness of today's youth, transforming their daily lives and sense of safety.

Demlow also underscores the troubling normalization of gun violence in children's lives and how this silent adaptation has become woven into parental concerns about safety. While parents routinely discuss potential hazards, like food allergies or swimming abilities, before playdates, there remains an unspoken hesitation to broach the topic of gun safety in homes. "We need to be normalizing these conversations," Demlow urgently stated, "not out of a desire to instill fear but as a fundamental step toward ensuring children's safety." Her perspective highlights a poignant contrast: discussing standard safety measures is effortless, yet asking about firearms—a potentially life-saving inquiry —feels taboo. y encouraging openness about gun safety, Demlow hopes to make such conversations as natural as any other precaution, fostering a safer environment for children in the face of a pervasive threat. Encouraging the younger generation to keep discussions about gun safety active

within their communities, Demlow advocates for youth activism. "no one in California is immune to gun violence," Demlow said, "and we need to do something about it now and something about it in the future." She calls on young people to push for responsible gun ownership and support candidates with solid gun safety policies. This active participation, she suggests, is essential not only for immediate community protection but also for influencing the national conversation on gun control.

Having grown up with regular active shooter drills, today's youth possess a unique perspective and determination to bring about meaningful changes in gun legislation. "We need to end the cycle where one generation leaves unresolved issues for the next to address," Demlow stated. This generation must recognize that we can no longer afford to defer solutions to future hands.

May Shen, David Hogg, and Taite Nicholson at Demlow’s WAVE event

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TA K E I T B Y T H E ‌

NUMBERS

48,830 PEOPLE,‌ M E N , WO M E N , C H I L D R E N , ‌ 26,328 PEOPLE,‌

BY THEIR OWN HAND,‌ 20,958 PEOPLE,‌ M U R D E R E D I N CO L D B LO O D — ‌ THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE.‌

2,590 CHILDREN,‌ SLAUGHTERED IN SCHOOL,‌ 73 OFFICERS,‌ D I E D I N T H E L I N E O F D U T Y, ‌ 2OTH PLACE,‌ O U T O F A L L T H E N AT I O N S O F T H E W O R L D . ‌ AN EPIDEMIC IS SPREADING,‌ MORE DIVISIVE THAN DISEASE.‌ Y E T O N LY T H E L AW, ‌ TO K E E P A N D B E A R A R M S , ‌ C A N C E A S E T H E C O N TA G I O N . ‌ W H E N L AW FA I L S W E T U R N T O L E A D E R S , ‌ W H E N L E A D E R S FA I L W E T U R N T O ‌ NEIGHBORS,‌ W H E N N E I G H B O R S FA I L W E O N LY H AV E ‌ O U R S E LV E S . ‌ W E C A N N O T FA I L O U R S E LV E S , ‌ FA I L O U R C H I L D R E N , ‌ FA I L O U R N AT I O N . ‌

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WH E N A C H I L D I S S H O T T H E C LO C K ‌ S T O P S F O R A M O M E N T, ‌ Y E T W E FO R C E T H E G E A R S B A C K I N TO ‌ MOTION.‌ O U R L I V E S A R E B U S Y, ‌ ‌ E H AV E N O T I M E , ‌ W TO C A R E A B O U T T H E C H I L D B L E E D I N G ‌ O N T H E F LO O R , D Y I N G . ‌ NOTHING CHANGES.‌ ‌W H E N T H E I N N O C E N T M A N , ‌ P R O V I D I N G F O R H I S FA M I LY, ‌ IS SHOT IN A ROBBERY GONE WRONG,‌ I S I T T H E FA U LT O F T H E G U N O R T H E ‌ ROBBER?‌ I T I S N O T T H E FA U LT O F O N E , ‌ ‌ IT IS NOT ONE CRIME,‌‌ I T I S A PAT T E R N . ‌ TA K E I T B Y T H E N U M B E R S , ‌ 45 ROUNDS A MINUTE,‌ FO R P R O T EC T I O N , ‌ OF FREEDOM,‌ SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.‌ B U T W H AT D O E S I T C O S T ‌ THIS AMERICAN NEED,‌ WHO HAS ENEMIES SO NUMEROUS,‌ W H E R E A R E T H E C R I M I N A L S T H AT A R E ‌ ‌ O STRONG‌ S T H AT T H E Y N E E D T O K I L L , ‌ 45 PEOPLE IN ONE MINUTE.‌

KIAN KHAZEI

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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS MAY SHEN AND TAITE NICHOLSON

GUN CONTROL IN SCHOOLS On the corner of Holmberg and Pine Island Road, a thoughtfully crafted garden holds more than flora and greenery. A stone bench and melodic wind chimes cultivate a space of meaningful reflection and serenity for visitors.

Hand-painted stones surround vibrant foliage and a tiled bird feeder—the whole garden a beacon of life and growth.

Six years ago, Nikolas Cruz, age 19, opened fire on students and staff of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. In memory of February 14, 2018, "Project Grow Love," the high school's memorial garden, is dedicated to the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting in Florida. The repercussions of this tragedy extend beyond the immediate victims, echoing grief and loss throughout the community.

Parkland, Florida, a predominantly white, liberalleaning suburb northwest of Miami, is recognized for its peaceful residential environment and high property values, often appealing to young families for its highly rated schools like Stoneman Douglas High School.

The tragedy of the Parkland shooting was not only a shock to this serene community but also

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an awakening to the prevalence of gun violence in what many consider “safe” environments. This misconception about the safety of schools and neighborhoods often perpetuates societal inaction and a reactive approach to gun violence, especially when communities struggle to confront an issue they do not expect to affect them.

On September 5, The Givers Guide attended an event with the non-profit organization WAVE (Women for American Values and Ethics), which was endorsing the campaigns of Democratic candidates for the 2024 election. There, we spoke with politicians and activists of mixed ages who represented the voices of Orange County, discussing escalating gun violence, particularly in communities historically perceived as secure.

Among these politicians was David Hogg, a survivor of the Parkland shooting—one of the deadliest school massacres in U.S. history—and an advocate of gun safety.

Hogg, at age 17, altered the world of student journalism by documenting the massacre of Douglas High School in real time and uploading the footage onto YouTube.

"I INTERVIEWED MY CLASSMATES BECAUSE IT WAS A WAY OF STAYING CALM, MAKING SURE THAT, IF WE DID DIE, OUR VOICES WERE LEFT, AND WE DIDN'T DIE IN VAIN," HOGG RECALLED. The reality is that many school shootings do not happen in the heightened tension of major, isolated events. Instead, they occur in seemingly ordinary settings—arguments in a hallway, disputes in a parking lot—where a gun is suddenly fired, transforming everyday conflicts into violent tragedies. The first recorded school shooting in the United States occurred in July 1764; however, it was not until the Columbine tragedy that the incidence of child fatalities from gun violence significantly increased, prompting a surge in mental health initiatives, violence

deterrence programs, and efforts to define and classify modern school shootings systematically.

The K-12 School Shooting Database categorizes a school shooting as an instance when a gun is fired, brandished (pointed at a person with intent), or a bullet hits school property, regardless of the number of victims, time, day, or reason.

There have been 417 school shootings documented since Columbine, many occurring in less-publicized incidents that resulted in one or two fatalities. However, it is the high-profile incidents at Sandy Hook, Parkland, and Uvalde that have drawn significant public attention due to their devastating impact, with dozens of lives lost and numerous individuals injured.

IN RESPONSE TO THESE TRAGEDIES, DAVID HOGG, NOW 24, HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO AVERTING FURTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS NATURE. After graduating from Harvard University in 2023, he has led one of the largest protests in American history, co-founded March For Our Lives, a non-profit organization that has helped pass over 300 gun violence prevention laws, coauthored a New York Times bestseller, and advocated for the creation of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention at the White House established in 2023. Hogg underscores that a critical lack of research on gun violence reduction perpetuates the U.S.'s largely reactive approach to this crisis. He calls for a pivot toward proactive, protective strategies to address the underlying causes of gun violence before they escalate into tragedy.

However, creating a comprehensive formula of preemptive solutions remains challenging without substantial research. For instance, while adding metal detectors in schools may address immediate threats, limited research exists to confirm their efficacy in reducing school shootings on a larger scale. According to the National Center for

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Education Statistics, fewer than 2% of elementary schools and around 15% of high schools conduct random checks with metal detectors, and studies on their impact are sparse. The National Institute of Justice notes that without robust policies on firearm access and targeted interventions in social areas—such as community violence exposure, economic hardship, and mental health support— metal detectors act as short-term deterrents rather than lasting solutions. This reliance on reactive safety measures that lack rigorous evaluation highlights the need for a more research-backed, preventative approach to gun violence.

Back at the WAVE event, David Hogg explained that the prevalent mindset that hinders progress in addressing gun violence mitigation is a significant factor contributing to societal inaction in confronting school shootings.

"THE HOPELESSNESS AND APATHY THAT HAVE CAUSED GUN VIOLENCE TO BECOME THE BIGGEST ISSUE IN OUR COUNTRY STEM FROM THE BELIEF THAT CHANGE IS NOT POSSIBLE." David Hogg believes growth and progress can only be achievable through action rather than doubt. By engaging in the political sphere and pressing for policy changes, he and several other activists raised the age to purchase a gun to 21 and passed multiple red flag laws. While Hogg supports the right to bear arms, he adamantly criticizes the NRA and lobbies for safe gun ownership, including the repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. In 2023, The Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act established a fund within the State Treasury that will allocate funds for gun violence prevention, mental health, law enforcement, and victim service programs. Policies such as the legislation above work to preempt and alleviate the catastrophic impacts of gun violence but are only made possible through advocacy and community involvement.

Sergeant Oberon of the Newport Beach Police Department highlighted the stark contrast between previous generations, where shooting preparation was virtually unheard of, and the current reality, where active shooter drills are a regular part of school routines across the nation.

As a police officer, Oberon’s role is inherently reactive, equipping him with specialized expertise in responding to firearm misuse.

"When I was in elementary, middle, or high school, active shooter drills were not even a concept,” Oberon reflected.

“In 25 years of police work, I've learned that mental preparation is the next best thing to physical preparation. Combining actual drills with mental readiness puts you in the best position to make critical decisions and stay safe.”

From his experience, Oberon emphasizes the importance of physical and mental preparation to enhance readiness and mitigate harm. However, critics question the overall success of these drills, arguing for a greater focus on prevention rather than solely anticipating school shootings. After Columbine, Active Shooter Drills, now commonplace for students in the United States, were suggested to help increase preparation for gun violence in schools. The Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety in Active Shooter Preparedness and Mitigation provides “approaches to address active shooter incidents.”

The report suggests that preparation should be assessed based on the design and layout of the school, accounting for the age ranges and developmental levels of safety awareness. It notes that even Pre-K and Kindergarten students possess a “general understanding of danger.” This heartbreaking acknowledgment highlights how deeply schools focus on student readiness.

YET, IT UNDERSCORES A GAP IN ADDRESSING THE ROOT CAUSES OF GUN VIOLENCE, LEAVING CHILDREN CONTROVERSIALLY EXPOSED TO THE NEED FOR SUCH ASSESSMENTS.

Although many jurisdictions now require schools to implement active shooter response training, they rarely dictate the school response plan or training content. Two approaches are most popular in the U.S.: a traditional lockdown approach, where individuals find cover in a classroom and lock the door, and a multi-option approach, where individuals evacuate the area, create barricades, and, in last resort situations, actively resist the gunman. While most schools conduct active shooter drills, typically using a traditional lockdown approach, little is known about their effectiveness. According to a study in 2018, drills informed by the multi-option response paradigm apprehended a classroom shooter three minutes faster on average than those using lockdown procedures; the approach raises some concerns. One issue is that staff and students (particularly younger students) in the throes of an active shooter incident may choose the wrong response option, further endangering themselves and others. Schools have no legal requirement to evaluate safety commission reports or assess state and local school security and improvement plans.

Additionally, schools are not required to consult legal counsel or security experts to develop tailored action plans, leaving them open and vulnerable to becoming victims of a shooting.

PREVENTION TECHNIQUES NEED TO FOCUS ON IDENTIFYING AND ADDRESSING INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY POSE A THREAT BEFORE THEY ACT. Salvador Ramos, age 18, killed 21 elementary school students in Uvalde, Texas, despite exhibiting numerous signs of mental and emotional instability. Before the shooting, he had made direct threats to individuals, posted violent messages on social media, and was even nicknamed “school shooter” by classmates.

Ramos, who reportedly experienced bullying and possibly sexual assault during elementary school,

had displayed countless warning signs. Yet, he was still able to obtain guns, ammunition, and tactical information, ultimately enabling him to devastate a community. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, ages 17 and 18, similarly exhibited warning behaviors before carrying out the Columbine High School massacre, killing 13 and injuring 23. Despite a report filed by a classmate’s parents, who notified authorities about Harris’s violent threats and social media posts expressing homicidal intentions, both students acquired firearms. The tragedy has marked Columbine High School with lasting notoriety. In another instance, Adam Lanza, age 20, murdered 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary after killing his mother. Although a civilian had previously alerted police to Lanza’s threatening statements, authorities could not act because his mother legally owned the firearms used in the attack.

These cases reflect a typical profile: troubled young men openly expressing violent intentions.

Research on school shootings has consistently found that a significant proportion of perpetrators exhibit identifiable pre indications before an attack. According to the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), most school shooters communicate their intentions in advance, often displaying a combination of aggressive behavior, social isolation, and threats to others. In the two cases above, authorities had been notified of the potential danger but could not intervene effectively. Studies suggest that the gap in preventative measures is partly due to systemic limitations within law enforcement, including insufficient mental health resources, restrictive gun laws, and challenges in addressing threats when perpetrators exhibit warning signals but fall short of legal thresholds for intervention.

Furthermore, many schools lack the resources to implement comprehensive behavioral threat

EFFECTIVE DETERRENCE MUST MOVE BEYOND THESE IMMEDIATE SAFETY MEASURES TO IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENTS, ROBUST GUN REGULATIONS, AND ACCESSIBLE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, CREATING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH THAT CAN ADDRESS POTENTIAL THREATS BEFORE TRAGEDY STRIKES.

COLUMBINE SCHOOL SHOOTING SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE

assessment programs, which research by the NTAC has shown to be critical in identifying and addressing threats before they escalate.

GIVEN THE WELL-ESTABLISHED ARCHETYPE FOR SCHOOL SHOOTERS AND THE APPARENT SIGNALS, THE INABILITY TO PROACTIVELY CONTAIN THESE THREATS UNDERSCORES THE NEED FOR A MORE ROBUST PREVENTION STRATEGY INTEGRATING LAW ENFORCEMENT, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS.

Communities that feel insulated from gun violence often remain unprepared, fostering a culture of inaction until faced with devastating loss. This misconception of safety creates a reactive stance, yet, as Parkland tragically revealed, no community is immune. Schools must take steps by engaging with gun safety education initiatives, supporting responsible firearm legislation, and promoting mental health resources. Collective action from policymakers, educators, and citizens can bridge the gaps left by current measures, reducing the risk of future incidents. When policy fluctuates, it’s essential to remember that school shootings are not political talking points but crises affecting human lives— children, educators, and entire communities.

The limitations of profiling presents a complexity in preventing school shootings, often misidentifying potential threats while overlooking underlying personal struggles. Many perpetrators exhibit identifiable precursors—aggression, social isolation, or threats—but without clear legal thresholds or adequate mental health resources, proactive intervention remains challenging. This gap in prevention is further compounded by a reliance on reactive strategies like active shooter drills, which focus on preparation rather than addressing the root causes of violence.

DAVID HOGG SPEAKING AT WESTMINISTER TOWN HALL FORUM IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

The Real Impact of Mental Illness on Gun Violence

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"We're never going to live in a world where we don't have anybody who's inclined to harm others or themselves," Jeffrey W. Swanson, medical sociologist and professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine, told The Giver's Guide on Oct. 23. Professor Swanson is the quintessential depiction of an academic with wellcombed gray hair and a collared shirt. He holds a PhD in sociology from Yale University and is a faculty affiliate with Duke's Wilson Center for Science and Justice, the Center for Firearms Law, and the Center for Child and Family Policy. He has also authored over 250 influential publications on topics ranging from the social context of violence in mental illness to the effectiveness of firearm restrictions related to mental health adjudications.

By Taite Nicholson

jeffrey.swanson@duke.edu

Professor Swanson's impactful research, recognized with the Isaac Ray and Carl Taube Awards, shapes policies to improve outcomes for those with serious mental illnesses and reduce firearm violence. A trusted consultant for policymakers, he frequently speaks on law, psychiatry, and public health.

As he relayed this fact of human nature, Professor Swanson analyzed the inevitability of gun violence and the core causes of the issue.

Often, the commonly blamed culprit of gun violence, an all-encompassing term for any harm inflicted on a human by the use of a firearm, including suicide, homicide, domestic violence, gang violence, and other forms of impact, is some form of mental illness. However, writing off the entirety of gun violence as the consequence of mental illness is a massive generalization.

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This bias in perception is not just academic. In the summer of 2022, after a series of tragic mass shootings, Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act—the first significant gun violence legislation in over 25 years. The act includes temporary firearm removals for high-risk individuals, expanded background checks for those under 21, and stricter penalties for gun trafficking. Yet, most of its $13 billion funding is allocated to developing mental health services in communities and schools rather than focusing on firearm access. This framing of gun violence as inherently linked to mental illness reflects misconceptions that Professor Swanson warns against. "Serious mental illness, when we look at the facts, contributes very, very little to the problem of overall gun violence in mass shootings," Professor Swanson said, "it cannot be defined as the sole or most considerable cause."

News coverage of gun violence fixates on mass shootings. However, exclusive focus on public massacres does not accurately depict the majority of gun violence in the United States. It often misleads viewers to make strong associations between mental illness and firearm violence.

Domestic violence, gang violence, and even unintentional shootings are all far more common than publicized tragedies.

Despite misconceptions, only 1 percent of gun-related deaths in the country, though devastating when they occur, are due to mass shootings, while 60 percent are due to suicides and 37 percent are homicides. Epidemiologic data supports this, showing that only 4 percent of gun homicides in the U.S. involve individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses. Despite this, a 2013 national survey found that 46 percent of Americans perceived those with serious mental illnesses as significantly more dangerous than the general population, fueling a stigma that affects both social and policy attitudes toward the mentally ill [5]. "Epidemiologic studies show that the large

majority of people with serious mental illnesses are never violent," Professor Swanson noted.

Because many individuals consciously and unconsciously link mental illness to gun violence, preconceptions about the level of risk that the mentally ill pose persist. Even as a contributor to mass shootings, mental illness remains in the minority of cases. The stereotypical school shooter archetype depicts an emotionally and mentally troubled individual, often conflicted due to traumatic circumstances, but this is not always the case. While mental disorders are certainly a prevalent factor in the psyches of many perpetrators, the FBI reports that only 25 percent of mass shooters had a diagnosed mental illness.

Taking into account that some mass shooters may have been undiagnosed, one can conclude that psychiatric disorders, though associated to some degree with mass shootings, do not account for the majority of firearm misuse, and there are more prominent agents at work in the issue of gun violence.

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However, in exceptional cases, mental illness has risen to become one of the most impactful factors to result in gun violence. As mental health concerns for citizens across the United States soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence increased significantly as well. Factors such as record-breaking gun sales, unprecedented confinement of children to their homes, social isolation, and widespread financial difficulties due to the pandemic drastically heightened the risk of gun violence. In 2020, the rate of gun violence deaths surpassed 12.3 per 100,000 people, becoming the leading cause of death among children and teenagers, with one in ten gun fatalities involving individuals aged 19 or younger. The post-pandemic period saw a substantial rise in school shootings and associated threats, often making it difficult to discern whether these threats were genuine or intended as

hoaxes. Due to the challenges in determining the credibility of threats, they are usually dismissed, even when presented in various forms, such as direct communication, social media posts, written plans or drawings, messages on bathroom walls, gossip, or anonymous 911 calls. A notable example occurred at Oxford High School in Michigan, where Ethan Crumbley, a fifteen-yearold student, murdered four of his classmates after drawing a gun on his math worksheet with the disturbing words: "The thoughts won't stop. Help me" and "Blood everywhere." As COVID-19 was a socially isolating and politically polarizing period in the United States, psychiatric problems intensified and resulted in higher gun deaths across the nation.

In analyzing the connection between firearm access and suicide, it is evident that firearms substantially increase the lethality of suicide attempts, especially among individuals with mental health conditions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 46% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition; however, this figure likely underestimates the actual prevalence due to undiagnosed cases. With firearm suicides comprising over half of all U.S. suicide deaths, the accessibility of guns clearly exacerbates this public health crisis. Firearm suicides have a fatality rate of approximately 85%, compared to only 3% with other methods, establishing gun access as a primary risk factor in suicide outcomes.

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The intersection of mental health and firearm access is further intensified by recent socioeconomic and public health crises. The COVID19 pandemic, economic instability, and recordhigh gun sales have contributed to elevated risks, especially in households where firearms are not securely stored. Vulnerable groups—including Alaskan Native, American Indian, and Black

youth, along with veterans, military-affiliated individuals, and LGBTQ+ persons—face disproportionately higher rates of gun suicide, emphasizing the need for targeted, culturally informed interventions.

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For policymakers, addressing firearm suicide necessitates a comprehensive strategy incorporating extreme risk laws, waiting periods, and child access prevention laws. Public health evidence strongly supports secure storage practices, such as trigger locks and lockboxes, which can effectively reduce immediate access to lethal means. Studies show that survival following a suicide attempt is impactful: approximately 70% of individuals who survive an attempt do not go on to attempt suicide again, underscoring the lifesaving potential of limiting firearm access in critical moments. Professor Swanson’s research further critiques the simplistic attribution of gun violence to mental illness alone, cautioning against the stereotype that individuals with mental health conditions are inherently violent.

"If you believe that, then you're going to want to have distance from people with mental illness.

You might reject them, treat them scornfully, and support public policies that override their liberties and deny them the opportunities and privileges we enjoy in our society," Professor Swanson said.

As policymakers work to combat gun violence, it is crucial to carefully evaluate and consider the extent to which mental illness furthers the problem to avoid extending the stigma and harmful preconceptions around the topic of mental health.

Swanson JW, McGinty EE, Fazel S, Mays VM. Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: bringing epidemiologic research to policy.

Ann Epidemiol. 2015 May;25(5):366-76. doi: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.03.004. Epub 2014 Apr 29. PMID: 24861430; PMCID: PMC4211925.

ANCING ACT L A B

GUN GUN CONTROL CONTROL IN IN NEWPORT NEWPORT BEACH BEACH

by Finley Maynard Greedily Spending Precious Seconds We are out of time. The clock struck midnight decades ago when rates of mass shootings and suicide or homicide by gun exponentially increased. As of right now, we are in the early morning hours of this issue. We haven’t woken up yet, but there is still movement; there is time and space for change. Picture that: a ticking clock counting the hours until the next massacre. How can society function in this spinning wheel of death?

Too many innocent people die each day from guns. There is no denying that firearms are a root cause of death. There is no more room for claiming that guns do not kill. In fact, it is one of the most lethal weapons ever invented.

“Gun violence” is a term we are all too desensitized to. Every morning, the 6 AM News Reporter on KTLA News informs your 9-to-5 parents about yet another shooting. Every night, the 11 PM News with Lester Holt tells us that another “decrepit” or “mindless” person has killed off more members of the next generation.

The Washington Post updates an old news article every time there is a school shooting. The article, written in 2022, states that “more than 383,000 students have experienced gun violence since [the Columbine shooting],” which happened on April 20, 1999.

In my hometown of Santa Clarita, California, on November 14, 2019, Nathaniel Berhow opened fire at Saugus High School, a local school where friends and coaches attended. Berhow, on his 16th birthday, took the lives of 2 children and instilled permanent trauma in upwards of 3,000 other students and faculty. The lives of 15-year-old Gracie Muehlburger and 14-yearold Dominic Blackwell were unfairly taken from them as they were just beginning.

The Saugus High School Shooting Being barely 11 years old at the time of the shooting, I didn't quite understand the caliber of the situation. Of course, I had heard about tragedies occurring at unfathomable scales such as the Sandy Hook and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Shootings, (which had only happened one-and-ahalf-years earlier) wrongfully ending the lives of upwards of 50 people, and injuring hundreds more.

I never thought such a tragedy might occur in a place I considered my entire life to be a haven.

The magnitude of the event rocked the core of this tight-knit community, as tragedies like this do in every place it occurs. Children no longer mindlessly played in their front yards; parents stood outside to ensure the safety of their children; crime began to increase more so than before the shooting. This ripple effect post-tragedy shook my town so greatly that, today, it is not the same. This instance is equilibrium across every town affected by gun violence, especially school shootings.

Even today, nearly half a decade later, people still hang flags, post banners in their front yards, wear bracelets, and have stickers on their car windows with the “#SaugusStrong” hashtag. Even today, Santa Clarita stands strong with every victim of this shooting. This is the magnitude of gun violence.

Take Away I open the vulnerable side of my heart to make concrete that these events are forever. It takes as little as 16 seconds. Sixteen seconds. I cannot tie both of my shoes in sixteen seconds.

Imagine this: you spill a bit of juice on your hand during lunch, and decide to go wash the sticky residue off your hands; just to come back 30 seconds later to see your friends lying deceased, at your table. Those 16 seconds, that minute, those six minutes; this is what changes lives forever.

This is what permanently damages the souls of thousands every year.

Remembering Gracie Muehlburger and Dominic Blackwell

A Small History of Gun Possession Beginning in the mid-1970s, the United States has faced great bouts of violence dealt by guns at the hands of perpetrators. From the Modern Era to now, United States citizens’ infatuation with firearms and profits in the gun manufacturing industry quickly led to an epidemic of gun-related violent crimes with legislation such as the 2nd Amendment solidifying American citizens’ gun rights. Unfortunately, however, recent societal changes and technological innovations have provided society with access to illegal firearms, “ghost guns”, or even firearms owned by friends and family. An incredibly detrimental epidemic lingers in American culture; a dent in our unity and pride. Whether we prefer to remain ignorant, the facts are at our disposal; the blood of the millions of lives lost to gun violence will continue to stain our hands until we find a true solution.

Societal Changes Leading to Gun Violence THE COVID-19 BUTTERFLY EFFECT Public Health Crisis → Economic Disparities → Mental Health Crisis Public Health Crisis: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing issues, leading to increased isolation, stress, and frustration, which can contribute to violence.

Economic Disparities → Gang Activity: Rising inequality and economic struggles can lead to increased crime rates, including gun violence, as communities face challenges related to poverty and unemployment. Gang-related violence remains a concern in certain areas. In Costa Mesa, there is a gang, namely the Calle Shalimar Locos, who have led gun violence and recruitment of vulnerable pre-teens and teenagers. Per my interviews with the Newport Beach Police, I learned that, from COVID to now, gang members have been recruiting kids from Newport Harbor High School and Enson Middle School, among other schools.

Mental Health Issues: There is a growing awareness of mental health challenges, which, if not adequately addressed, can lead to violence.

VIOLENT CRIMES LEADING TO VIOLENT CRIMES Increased Gun Ownership: A rise in gun purchases, particularly during times of social unrest or crises, can correlate with higher incidents of gun violence.

Consequences of Discrimination Gun Advocacy Groups “Ghost guns” Increased violent crimes

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Guns In Orange County In Orange County, closely distanced from Los Angeles County, the United States-Mexico border, and states with permissive gun laws, our community frequently faces the wrath of easy access to guns. Although California possesses one of the strictest gun laws in the United States, our cities remain deeply affected by gun violence.

Even in the statistically safest cities in California—many of which are in Orange County and one of which is Newport Beach—we cannot help but recognize the persisting effects of gun violence.

In Newport Beach – although historically below the national average for assault, robbery, theft, rape, and murder – residents have noticed a strange increase in criminal activity.

Per reviews on niche.com, some citizens question their safety, giving the city a “B-” rating on Crime and Safety. So far in 2024, Newport Beach has had three major events involving gun violence, with 2 occurring at Fashion Island, and one in Pelican Crest, a local Newport Beach neighborhood.

Although these numbers are minuscule compared to the rest of Orange County and California wholly, these events remain greatly painful for Newport Beach residents, who now wonder if their homes are as safe as they originally thought.

Fashion Island on July 2nd by Brady Lee

Consequential Demographics Newport Beach is an incredibly wealthy city with a median household income averaging $149,741 and a median house cost over $2,000,000. These numbers are outrageous compared to California’s average median household income and house price at $89,870 and around $902,000. Gaps of each on a national average are even larger at an average median household income of just over $80,000, and a national average house price of about $360,000, per Zillow.

Newport Beach residents’ great wealth attracts criminals from all over Southern California. In fact, the most dangerous district in Newport Beach is the Fashion Island/Newport Center location, which is irrefutable given the 3 gun violence events that have occurred in this area.

Citizens and First Responders’ Views on Recent Crime Following the failed armed robbery on July 2, 2024, at Fashion Island, citizens were shaken by the sudden and drastic news. ABC7 News wrote, “The suspects were identified as Jaden Cunningham, 18, of Lancaster, Malachi Eddward Darnell, 18, of Los Angeles, and Leroyernest Joseph McCrary, 26, of Compton, according to the Newport Beach Police Department. All three were booked on suspicion of homicide, robbery with firearm, and conspiracy” (Mónica de Anda, ABC7 News).

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Interviewing Officer Jay Kim and Dispatch Supervisor Brandy Banks

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n October 3rd, I was lucky enough to interview a few officers at the Newport Beach Police Department. They provided me with amazing insight regarding everyday events, the shootings in Newport Beach this year, and their causes. Their firsthand, real-time experiences significantly deepened my understanding of the root causes and consequences of gun violence.

Truthfully, there is no black-and-white situation or explanation when it comes to gun violence. Gun violence as a whole is an umbrella term corresponding with numerous events whether those are selfinflicted injuries, accidental shootings, or gun violence with intent. Many different parameters and specificities differ in every event, because, as we know, there is no single situation or solution that explains gun violence.

OFFICER KIM A La Mirada Native, Officer Jay Kim is a UCSB graduate who holds the First Lieutenant position with the United States Army Reserve. When asked why he became an officer, Kim stated, “I liked the structure [of the police force]...[it was] similar to the military.”

I commenced my interview with a ride-along accompanied by Officer Kim. Having served for 5 years among the Los Angeles Airport Police, Officer Kim brings extensive knowledge of gun violence and offers a balanced, impartial perspective on firearms. After working the cases at Fashion Island on July 2, 2024 —where three men murdered 68-year-old New Zealand resident Patricia McKay following a botched robbery —and responding to the Fashion Island armed robbery incident on August 27, 2024, Officer Kim began recognizing an unusual increase in gun violence in Newport Beach. “Part of the reason for the [increase in gun violence],” although

not nearly as prevalent as gun violence Kim faced in the Los Angeles Airport Police division, “is because there are people from outside of Newport Beach who want to [take advantage] of the wealth here.” These events, along with the Pelican Crest shooting– the 2nd wealthiest neighborhood in Southern California, per Macair Inc. – prove apparent this new and pressing issue in Newport Beach.

SUPERVISING DISPATCHER BANKS When you have a high-stress situation, you have to revert back to your training– [compartmentalizing] emotions” to manage placidity with callers, says Supervising Dispatcher Brandy Banks, who has been working in dispatch with the Newport Beach Police for 16 years. Growing up, Banks was uninterested in working in the police force.

However, while obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree, her middle school teacher introduced her to the passion and occupation she still fulfills.

Supervising Dispatcher Banks is an officer with a multifaceted skill set, including amazing communication, organizational, and situational skills. With every 911 call, Banks answers to help a distressed caller to the best of her ability. Her true passion is vibrant and quite inspirational.

In just a few hours of discussing recent events and the factors contributing to the surge in gun violence in California, I gained a deeper understanding of several incidents that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant spike in gun-related crimes. Numerous factors, often unnoticed by the general public, played a major role in the rise of gun violence from the onset of the pandemic in 2020 to the present day.

Supervising Dispatcher Brandy Banks

Why was There Such a Prevalent Increase THE ZERO BAIL POLICY

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midst the first surge of COVID in California, “[The Judicial Council of California in April 2020] adopted a statewide COVID-19 emergency bail schedule that set bail at $0 for most people accused–but not yet tried–of misdemeanors and lower-level felonies,” until its rescindment in July of that year (Ballassone, newsroom.courts.ca.gov, July 2020).

This Zero Bail Policy released criminals into 31 of California’s most populated counties, resulting in an extreme lack of safety for residents and a skyrocketing of crimes by repeat offenders. According to a case study launched by the Yolo County District Attorney, “of the 595 individuals released on Zero Bail…420 were rearrested and 123 [of those rearrested individuals] were arrested for a crime of violence” consisting of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, and other offenses with the use of gun violence (Yolo County DA, 2023).

Per the Los Angeles Times, “in the first 30 days of the policy, the Los Angeles Police Department [arrested] 213 individuals multiple times, with 23 being arrested three or more times,”

in Gun Violence During COVID-19? truly proving the magnitude of consequences stemming from this policy (Richard Winton, April 30, 2020).

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS RESULTING FROM THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN - GUNRELATED SUICIDE

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staggering 91.5% of those gunshot wounds were fatal, meaning, throughout these 6 years, about 8,734 of those victims died from suicide by gun. 45% of the 19,389 gun-related deaths between 2016-2021 were suicides. California residents made up over 7% of the gunrelated suicides nationally between 2016 and 2021.

ore than half of all gun deaths in California are suicides, and nearly 40% of all suicide deaths in California involve firearms,” says Gifford’s Law Center.

The California Department of Justice’s Attorney General Rob Bonta released the inaugural Data Report representing the lethal effects of gun violence.

Between 2016 and 2021, the report reveals that of the 69,136 gunshot wound (both fatal and non-fatal) incidents in California, 9,545 of those were selfinflicted as a suicide attempt. A The COVID-19 Pandemic only cause an exponential increase in firearm suicides. In 2022, 27,032 American citizens took their lives via firearms. This is an increase of over 3,000 individuals since 2020, the commencing year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.

what to WHAT TO do next

DO NEXT ~

As we navigate the complex landscape of gun control and violence, it’s essential to find a balance that respects both individual rights and community safety. This requires thoughtful dialogue among residents, law enforcement, and policymakers. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of gun violence, we must work toward solutions that address the underlying issues—such as mental health, access to education, and economic opportunities—while ensuring that responsible gun ownership is upheld.

In Newport Beach, community organizations and law enforcement agencies have initiated several programs aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting safety. These include educational workshops on responsible gun ownership, community policing efforts, and mental health resources. The Newport Beach Police Department holds a Citizens’ Police Academy, where young citizens attend classes and seminars for 12 weeks to gain a grasp on critical components of life, including proper manners of gun ownership. However, more can be done.

Increased collaboration between community leaders and law enforcement can foster trust and lead to more effective strategies. Moreover, advocating for comprehensive background checks and restrictions on high-capacity magazines can help mitigate the risk of gun violence. Engaging the community in discussions about safe storage practices and the risks of "ghost guns" can also empower residents to take proactive measures.

Author’s Note “Truthfully, this article was difficult to put together. I knew what I wanted to write about, but I couldn’t quite articulate it. Speaking about such a sensitive topic is something that I’ve never mastered. The truth hurts; it stings like that bug bite you got over the summer that you keep picking at. The fact of the matter? Truth is inevitable and, much of the time, abundantly clear.”

- Finley Maynard

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by: Mei Mahon, Kami Motaharik, Saffiya Sarwono

THE‌ CROSSFIRE‌ G

Domestic Violence and Guns

lobally, nearly one in three women have experienced a form of domestic violence or victimization at the hands of their partner.

Domestic violence is defined as an abusive behavior committed by one partner against another within an intimate relationship, including marriage, cohabitation, or dating, and comes in various forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial harm. The presence of firearms exacerbates cases of domestic violence by amplifying the fatality and fear in abusive relationships.

Abusers typically utilize firearms as a means of intimidation within the relationship, often using it as an ultimatum to manipulate and prevent their partner from leaving. Through the use of both suicidal or homicidal threats, abusers wield power over their partners, decreasing the likelihood of the victim reporting the abuse. According to the nonprofit organization Brady United Against Gun Violence, 60% of mass shooting incidents between 2014 and 2019 involved domestic violence or were committed by individuals with a history of such violence—a phenomenon known as familicide. During a familicide, the mere presence of a gun can turn threats into

fatal realities. Incidents of intimate partner violence involving guns have a higher homicide rate, disproportionately impacting women, where 80% of intimate partner violence homicides are male-on-female.

Domestic violence has evolved, and only in more recent decades have officials deemed it as a public health and safety issue. The Women’s Rights movement in 1970 brought this issue into the public’s view. The movement surged through city streets as thousands of protestors, mostly women, raised their voices against the violence hidden behind closed doors. With signs lifted high, the protesters' demands for justice filled the air, urging officials to recognize domestic abuse as a public health and safety crisis. Their activism led to the Lautenberg Amendment, a law that stripped firearm access from convicted abusers, preventing countless acts of gun violence in homes nationwide.

Furthermore, the accessibility of social media has allowed survivors in underdeveloped and underprivileged communities to gain further knowledge about the issue. This increased awareness of domestic violence has educated communities that might not have access to

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traditional outreach resources; however, social media has proven to be a double-edged sword.

Abusers can utilize technology to control their victims further. Tracking every keystroke, programs like Spyware give abusers the ability to monitor their significant other, further asserting their dominance and authority over them. In response, organizations fighting against this abuse put up internet pages, advising victims searching for help to seek out internet cafés or public internet servers.

Domestic violence can occur universally, regardless of one’s demographic, career, or position in society. Demi Moore, a survivor of abuse by her former fiancé and now a police officer, tells her story in affiliation with the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County.

Moore cheered for her high school’s cheer team and led a seemingly typical life. In between practice and football games, she suffered immense torment at the hands of her boyfriend. Retrospectively, she explains that she now realizes that his jealousy was indicative of violent tendencies, often associated with abusive behavior. Furthermore, his abuse and manipulation led to her developing an eating disorder that she carried with her to college. Moore is not alone in her experience. Victims of abuse often develop additional health challenges like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders as a result of their mental degradation. Despite the trauma she endured, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. With her education, she began her career as a police officer. After her harrowing experience with abuse, she was determined to ignite change. Learning Krav Maga, healing her relationship with food, and pursuing positive outlets culminated in a newfound confidence. She obtained a position

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with the State Police and then fell into another abusive relationship. Her now ex-fiancé physically, emotionally, and mentally terrorized her to the point that she felt utterly powerless. Moore’s story exemplifies the horrific cycle that many survivors go through, and it serves as a solemn reminder that anyone can potentially be targeted by domestic abusers regardless of occupation, gender, or sexuality.

Despite its prevalence, domestic violence is not talked about enough and remains a topic hidden behind closed doors. Raising awareness and speaking out is essential to bring about change for victims. One of the main reasons that domestic violence still occurs is the stigma that represses the voices of victims. Fear of the reactions of others demotivates victims to share their story. Therefore, educating the public through awareness campaigns to create safe spaces for victims is crucial. These campaigns can also help individuals recognize abusive relationships and seek the necessary support such as access to hotlines, shelters, counseling, and protective measures.

Resources can save the lives of victims who do not know where to seek help. According to Professor Jacquelyn Campbell, a leading expert in domestic and intimate partner violence and a professor at Johns Hopkins University, "protective orders are crucial in preventing further abuse by limiting abusers' access to firearms and establishing legal barriers to protect victims." With over 230 publications and seven books on violence and health outcomes, Campbell’s research has significantly influenced interdisciplinary studies in nursing, medicine, and public health, solidifying her role as a pioneer in advocating for protective measures to safeguard victims of intimate partner violence.

jcampbe1@jhu.edu

Professor Campbell discusses that by fostering open conversations around domestic violence, communities can better understand the available resources and support systems, empowering victims to advocate for themselves and break the cycle of silence.

Professor Campbell also discussed the Rahimi Case, which exemplifies how advocacy can create policy changes. The Rahimi Case ruling allows guns to be taken away from known domestic abusers. This not only helps protect victims but also raises awareness around the importance of legal measures in combating domestic violence and encourages communities to support similar advocacy efforts. Furthermore, Professor Campbell advocates for the myPlan Safety App, a tool backed by Johns Hopkins research that provides users anonymous, PIN-protected access to resources and personalized safety strategies. Inclusive of all genders, myPlan includes assessments like the Danger Assessment—used by professionals for over 25 years—to help individuals evaluate relationship risks, make informed safety decisions, and access support for physical and mental health, legal guidance, and community resources tailored to their needs. Raising awareness about domestic violence creates a vital foundation for support, ensuring that victims know they are not alone and that help is available. Violence from an intimate partner ha

has invariably existed as a societal fault.

However, with the introduction of firearms, this issue has been exacerbated to become an epidemic in the United States. Millions experience this violence, whether it be in the form of psychological torment, physical assault, or sexual abuse. The presence of firearms only intensifies this issue, giving abusers a deadly weapon to wield against the partners. With firearms becoming more and more prevalent in the United States, like in 2021 when deaths from gun-related injuries were at an all-time high, Professor Campbell emphasizes how the legislature protecting victims must adjust accordingly. States like California introduce laws that protect survivors from their abusers keeping firearms, thereby reducing the paths they have to control and silence their victims. Furthermore,

organizations like the National Domestic Violence Hotline significantly increase the accessibility of outreach for victims. Raising awareness and speaking out about domestic violence plays a vital role in effecting meaningful change. Addressing domestic violence requires a collective effort from communities, law enforcement, and policymakers to create a comprehensive support system that empowers victims and holds abusers accountable. Future generations will lead the charge for meaningful change, and as Professor Campbell said, “It's the young people that are gonna make sure that things are different.”

Meet Our Team

Editors-in-Chief

Managing Editors

Creative Director

Meilin Shen Taite Nicholson

Finely Maynard Mei Mahon

Margie Gao

Junior Editors

Photography Director

Writers

Adeline Ho Ashley Ho

Brady Lee

Kian Khazei, Claire Kim, Doyoung Lee, Kami Motahari, Saffiya Sarwono, Annika Shah, Amber Wang, Eric Zhang

Editors’ Note Dear Readers, We would like to express great appreciation for the dedication, tireless research, and passionate writing of our team members that has culminated in an issue we are particularly proud of.

Additionally, we are so grateful for the collaborative efforts of David Hogg, Professor Jeffery W Swanson from Duke University, Julia Demlow from WAVE, Professor Jacquelyn Campbell from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Sergeant Steve Oberon of the NBPD, Supervising Dispatcher Brandy Banks, and Officer Jay Kim.

Warm Regards,

Taite Nicholson and May Shen

In this issue of The Giver’s Guide, we turn our focus to a widespread epidemic: gun violence. As recent events involving gun violence, both local and national, have led citizens to question their safety, this topic begs to be addressed. Through the voices of students, survivors, and advocates, we explore the effects gun violence has on individuals, families, and communities across the country. Creating this edition has been an emotional and heartfelt exploration of tragic events and their relation to a larger pattern. We’ve had the privilege of speaking with individuals whose lives have been forever changed by gun violence, and their stories have shaped the direction of this publication. We thank you for your attention and consideration of our words.

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