Imagine waking up thinking that today was going to be a good day just like any other only to not realize that it would be your last. Random shootings have occurred throughout the U.S. and has caused many to fear for their lives doing everyday things such as getting a cup of coffee or going to work. Just alone in 2017, there has been mass shootings such as a recent one that occurred in Las Vegas during a concert, random robberies, and shootings that lead to a nationwide manhunt due to the suspect posting the shootings on facebook live. Yet, as of Wednesday October 18, 2017, another shooting occurred in Maryland killing four and wounding two.

Radee Labeeb Prince of thirty seven years old went into his job wednesday morning and opened fire on his co-workers killing three and wounding another one. One of the victims worked with Prince and stated that the killings weren’t random as Prince knew exactly who he was targeting. The victims were confirmed later by the Harford County Sheriff’s Office to be Bayarsaikhan Tudev, Jose Romero, and Enis Mrvoljak. Radee Prince was later detained by Glasgow High School in Delaware as one tipster saw him step out of his car and immediately called the authorities. Officers discovered a .380 caliber that Prince threw which was later confirmed that they matched with the caliber of the shells that was used in the crime scene.

What does this mean for the discussion of gun control between pro-gun and anti-gun? Although many would feel safer with guns only being operated by police, others believe that the safest way to protect one is by always carrying a weapon. The mass shootings have caused a major spark in the allegations that gun control in necessary for occasions exactly like this one. Others disagree stating that one needs to learn how to use a weapon for exactly these events as if one of had a gun to protect themselves, things could’ve gone a totally different way.

Gun shootings have caused countless lives lost, family members traumatized, and many to wonder if it is even safe to go outside without someone random pointing a gun in their direction. Officers have taken notice of the issue and are working on new mechanisms to prevent shootings although some are just random acts of violence. With shootings slowly growing in the U.S., there is no way of knowing where or when something so drastic could happen. Shootings have impacted the nation in a negative way including lives, safety, and overall protection for civilians.