BY JOSHUA HAZLETT

Terror in the midst of celebration. On February 14th, 2024 two individuals took the life of one and shot 21 others. 11 of which were children, nine of these children were treated for gunshot wounds. This violence is unacceptable and change needs to be made. A day set for celebration of the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs was ruined by ignorant violence.  

The Kansas City Chiefs prevailed and became Super Bowl champions on Sunday Feb 11, 2024. The celebration was set for Valentine’s Day. Kansas City came together and formed a crowd of millions. All went well in the beginning, and the Chiefs completed their rally with no interruptions. It was right after the rally however when shots broke out and sent everyone into a panic. Many people were confused and unsure of what was happening causing even more trouble. 

A total of 39 injuries, 21 gunshot victims and 18 other injuries that took place during the parade. An act of violence some even expected. Mass shootings sadly have become more and more a problem over the years. There were 12 mass shootings in the year 2022, and 2023. Essentially one mass shooting a month is crazy. As of Feb 15, 2024 at least 5,000 people have died in the United States due to gun violence. It is at some point we must make a change. Something like stricter gun laws is the first thing almost anyone will suggest. While this would help it wouldn’t eliminate the issue. I think more detailed screening before weapon purchasing would help eliminate this problem even more. At the end of the day not everyone will give up their guns, it’s just about keeping them in the right hands.