The recent court ruling declaring California’s ban on openly carrying guns unconstitutional has sparked a lot of debate. It’s a complex issue, with strong opinions on both sides. The crux of the matter seems to be rooted in the Second Amendment and its interpretation in the context of historical practices.
The court’s decision hinges on a new legal test established by the Supreme Court in the *New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen* case. This test mandates that any restrictions on firearms must be “consistent with this nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.” Essentially, the court is saying that if open carry was a common practice when the Second Amendment was written, then a state ban is likely unconstitutional.… Continue reading
This year marks a historic milestone for the Republic of Ireland, as there have been no recorded gun killings. This is the first time in nearly six decades that such a statistic has been achieved. Historically, gun violence was more prevalent, particularly during the Troubles and the peak of drug-related crime. The last year without a gun-related fatality was 1968, highlighting the significance of the recent achievement.
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In the wake of the recent shooting, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces criticism from the Jewish community regarding his handling of antisemitic threats. Despite apologizing and promising new legislation against extremism, Albanese is under increasing scrutiny concerning the handling of intelligence on the alleged gunman. Questions have arisen about the suspect’s previous investigation for ties to terrorism and how he obtained weapons despite this history. Furthermore, pressure mounts for a Royal Commission into the attack, alongside calls for stricter gun control measures, which have sparked debate over potential restrictions on civil liberties.
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Following the recent Bondi Beach attack, Australia has announced a gun buyback scheme, the largest since the Port Arthur massacre. The government will also impose limits on the number of firearms an individual can own and restrict firearms licensing, partly in response to the fact that one of the Bondi attackers held a firearms license and possessed multiple weapons. The scheme aims to collect and destroy hundreds of thousands of firearms, funded jointly by the federal government and the states and territories. Additionally, police have stated that there is no confirmed link between the detained group of men with “extremist Islamic ideology” and the Bondi attackers.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has initiated a national gun buyback scheme, mirroring the approach taken after the Port Arthur massacre and targeting surplus, newly banned, and illegal firearms. The government will collaborate with states and territories to fund the initiative, splitting costs and responsibilities for collection, processing, and destruction of weapons. This action follows the recent deadly attack in Sydney, with the aim to reduce the number of guns on the streets by exploring options like limiting gun ownership and bolstering firearms regulations. The Prime Minister’s announcement coincides with reforms to hate speech laws, and a national day of reflection has been declared to honor the Bondi attack victims.
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In Sydney, Australia, a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach resulted in 15 fatalities and at least 38 injuries, prompting the government to classify the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism. The shooters, a father and son, with the father being deceased and the son in a coma, had amassed six firearms legally, leading to calls for stricter gun control laws. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to propose new gun restrictions, while also acknowledging the need to address rising antisemitism concerns. The attack has led to questions about government action and whether there has been enough to curb the increase in antisemitism.
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Following the shooting at Brown University, Providence police detained a person of interest in their 20s, identified by sources as 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson, who is from Wisconsin. Authorities found a small Glock handgun with a laser sight and a revolver at a hotel in Coventry where Erickson was apprehended, approximately 17 miles from Providence. The incident, which occurred during final exams, resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries, with one victim already discharged and the others in stable or critical but stable condition. The university has canceled all remaining classes and exams for the semester, and the attack has reignited discussions on gun control, with various political figures commenting.
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The Brown University shooting during final exams left students traumatized, including survivors of previous school shootings. For some, the familiar terror reignited past trauma, as both Mia Tretta and Zoe Weissman had previously survived school shootings. Weissman, a survivor of the Parkland shooting, expressed anger and disbelief at experiencing gun violence again. This incident, with its tragic toll, has reignited the debate surrounding gun control in the US, given the frequency of mass shootings.
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Following the confirmation of 10 fatalities, this event marks Australia’s deadliest shooting since the implementation of strict gun control measures. These measures were enacted after the 1996 Port Arthur attack, which resulted in 35 deaths and spurred a nationwide gun buyback program and enhanced owner checks. The country had witnessed a drastic decline in such incidents since then. This recent event, however, is a jarring and devastating reminder of the potential for gun violence in public spaces.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker