As gun-related deaths continue to devastate communities across the nation, families and lawmakers in St. Louis are looking for answers. An article published by CBS, reports since April at least 12 children under the age of 17 have been killed by gun violence. According to data from the Post-Dispatch, 16 children have been shot and killed in St. Louis over the past two years, however, police have only made arrests in three cases.
Firearms are the second leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. So why have lawmakers year after year refused to enact comprehensive gun policies that protect children? The preventable deaths of these children are a result of America failing in our moral responsibility to protect all children. ‘Thoughts and prayers’ and hashtags on social media are not enough. We must invest in programs and enact policies that protect children and allow them to learn, play and grow free from violence. Protecting children must be America’s priority, not guns.
You can read the full article published by CBS here.