Recent research on the frequency of mass shootings indicates that they are becoming more common and more deadly. A mass shooting is defined as four or more people (excluding the gunman) being injured or killed in an incident. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, 470,840 people were victims of crimes that involved a firearm in 2018, and 481,950 in 2019. As of March 31, 2021, 126 mass shootings occurred in the U.S., leaving 148 people dead and 481 injured. The public is overwhelmingly opposed to gun violence, yet there is no consensus on root causes or corrective measures.

Can we reduce gun violence and support the second amendment? How do mental illness, toxic masculinity, and racism factor into the equation of gun ownership and access to weapons? The U.S. with less than 5% of the world's population, has 46% of the world's civilian-owned guns. Is gun ownership a matter of individual rights or a human rights issue? What makes the culture and beliefs about gun ownership different in the U.S. than other countries? Join Arizona Humanities and our Dr. Matthew Whitaker for this timely conversation on the history and evolution of gun violence and mass shootings in America, and some of the possible solutions to this other epidemic. Register HERE.