Is America ruled by fear? Four recent harmless mistakes result in four more horrific shootings. Why has the US become a place where people shoot first and ask questions later?
Shot for knocking on the wrong front door
Is America ruled by fear? Four recent harmless mistakes result in four more horrific shootings. Why has the US become a place where people shoot first and ask questions later?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="crosshead"><strong>Fatal error</strong></h2>
Ralph Yarl rang the wrong doorbell. The 16-year-old from Kansas City was meeting his two brothers. Instead, homeowner Andrew Lester shot him twice - once in the arm, once in the head. Doctors say it is a miracle he is alive.
Tragically, Kaylin Gillis is not. She was in a car that mistakenly drove into the driveway of Kevin Monahan. He has a "short fuse", neighbours say. He shot her dead and was arrested for murder.
Elsewhere, a man fired at two high school cheerleaders when one accidentally got into his car. And a six-year-old girl was seriously injured by gunfire when her ball rolled into the attacker's yard.
Mass shootings grab headlines. But these smaller incidents cause most gun-related deaths and injuries in the United States. On average, 50 people are killed and 100 are injured every day.1 So far in 2023, gun violence has claimed almost 13,000 lives.
"It takes an enormous toll on this nation", says gun safety advocate Kelly Drane. But why are so many pulling the trigger on young people doing innocuous everyday things?
The issue divides America. The US has 40% of the world's firearms and is the only country with more guns than people. A powerful gun lobbyLobbyists seek to influence politicians and lawmakers on specific issues, such as farming or healthcare. argues the US ConstitutionA document that sets out the fundamental rules according to which a country is governed, which are usually difficult to change. protects their right to own weapons for self-defence.2 Critics say only stricter controls can stop the senseless killing.
However, in many cases, the law has become more relaxed. "Stand your ground" legislation is in effect in at least 28 states, including Missouri, where Ralph Yarl was shot. These laws permit "deadly force" in response to a perceived violent attack.
But these were lost and unarmed strangers - not dangerous criminals. Kinsley White was a six-year-old playing with a basketball. So why did these men feel threatened?
Age, gender and race all play a role. Gun homicide is the leading cause of death among young Black men.3 But many see this as a symptom of a wider sickness and a society ruled by fear. Day-to-day interactions between strangers have been poisoned by paranoia and mistrust.
In the 1970s, half of Americans thought people were trustworthy. Today, less than a third think so. And even when crime falls, most Americans think society is becoming less safe. Americans have chosen to live in a "dystopia", says senatorA politician who has been elected to a body called a Senate. In the US, one of the two houses of Congress is the Senate. Ancient Rome also had a senate and senators. Chris Murphy, where everyone is heavily armed and mutually suspicious.
Some experts blame the news and social media. "We get 24 hours a day of all the dangers out there," argues political scientist Warren Eller. Sociologist Barry Glassner says a viral video of one incident "stays in your mind" long after the facts are forgotten.
Glassner believes politicians stoke these fears. "You're not going to be scared anymore," Trump told supporters in 2016. "They're going to be scared." Fear wins elections.
But maybe hope can too? One poll shows 40% fear being a victim of gun violence, while 71% support stricter firearm controls.4 As the issue affects more and more communities, voters will look to politicians for solutions.
Yes: It is a vicious cycle of fear and violence. Incidents replayed by the media are weaponised by politicians. Trust evaporates, replaced by mutual suspicion, and everyone comes to expect more violence.
No: This is only part of the picture. Communities come together to mourn their loss and take to the streets to demand change. They are not afraid but courageous in their fight for a safer society.
Or... It is complicated. America is a nation of immigrants who fled fear of persecution and poverty to build a country based on freedom from fear. Defending this freedom has created a society ruled by fear.
Lobby - Lobbyists seek to influence politicians and lawmakers on specific issues, such as farming or healthcare.
Constitution - A document that sets out the fundamental rules according to which a country is governed, which are usually difficult to change.
Senator - A politician who has been elected to a body called a Senate. In the US, one of the two houses of Congress is the Senate. Ancient Rome also had a senate and senators.
<h5 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper" id="question"><strong>Is America ruled by fear? </strong></h5>
Shot for knocking on the wrong front door

Glossary
Lobby - Lobbyists seek to influence politicians and lawmakers on specific issues, such as farming or healthcare.
Constitution - A document that sets out the fundamental rules according to which a country is governed, which are usually difficult to change.
Senator - A politician who has been elected to a body called a Senate. In the US, one of the two houses of Congress is the Senate. Ancient Rome also had a senate and senators.