Gun Violence & Policy - The United States has the highest rate of gun violence globally, making it a leading cause of death for young people and teenagers [5] - The shooter legally purchased the rifle, handgun, and shotgun used in the shooting [6] - The country has more guns than people, lacks universal background checks, and does not have bans on assault weapons [6] - Weaponizing the shooter's identity is a distraction from the issue of easy access to guns [6] - Thoughts and prayers from politicians are insufficient responses to gun violence [3][4][10] Legislative Action & Activism - Anger over mass shootings can be channeled into activism, which can pressure elected officials to change laws [7][8] - Following mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde in May 2022, families of victims lobbied Congress [8][9][11] - Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act 42 days after the Buffalo shooting [14] - The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act expanded background checks for gun buyers under 21, toughened laws against gun trafficking and straw purchasing, funded state enforcement of red flag laws, and closed the "boyfriend loophole" [13][14] - The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was not perfect, but it was a step towards addressing the nation's gun problem [14][15]