Cause Of Mass Shootings

In today’s world it has become a common occurrence that many people have to face the terrible tragedy of mass shootings. They occur at places where individuals would not even expect such as: schools, where students attend to receive an education, movie theaters, where families and friends go for fun weekend activities, and even hospitals, where there are defenseless people trying to get well. Throughout the recent years the numbers of mass shootings have shown a dramatic increase that have many people worried for their safety. There has been “133 mass shootings – almost two per month that occurred in 39 states in the nearly seven-year period.” ("Analysis of Mass Shootings") These shootings not only affect the victim themselves, but also their …show more content…
However, mass shootings occurred much more sparsely in the past than in today’s time and many are asking the question as to why. Though no one knows for sure, most mass shooters have two similar motives: mental illness and revenge against others. For example, the deadliest shooting that ever took place was on the campus grounds of Virginia Tech and occurred on April 16, 2007. Twenty-three-year-old senior, Seung Hui Cho, shot a female freshman and a male resident assistant, and approximately 2 hours later, Cho entered a classroom building, chained the main doors, and went from classroom to classroom shooting students and faculty. “The attack left 32 people dead and another 17 wounded. In all, 27 students and 5 faculty members died as a result of Cho’s actions.” ("Massacre at Virginia Tech Leaves 32 Dead") Cho then turned the weapon on himself after completing his deathly rampage. The result of this severe tragedy left not only the factuality and students in fear, but the rest of the United States as well. This was the largest mass shooting to occur on a school campus, a place where students go to be independent and further their education; they should not have to worry about a shooter coming onto their school grounds or their safety. It is said that before the tragedy, Cho appeared very isolated and was seen as a loner who did not have many friends; this seclusion played a major factor in his overall psychological development. Because he didn’t have the interaction that most other college students get on a daily basis, whether it be in a study group or going to parties, this connection development that Cho lacked eventually generated his depression, causing him to feel as if he didn’t belong along with the people around him and blamed everyone else who had the relationships he lacked. Additionally, because of the fact