MVerboom
Nov 8, 2025
Research Papers / Gun Violence: Parent or Child? [2]
I would appreciate some feedback on this written assignment. Thank you very much.
Matthew Verboom
Professor Palazzolo
ENG102 - First Year Composition
Gun Violence: Parent or Child?
On September 10th, 2025, Charles James Kirk was assassinated during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University by a minor who gained access to his grandfather's unsecured rifle. After the attack, the young shooter discarded the weapon and fled the scene, only being identified when his parents recognized him in surveillance footage broadcast on the news. Tragedies like this are becoming increasingly common across the United States, where children are obtaining firearms from their own homes with little to no parental oversight. Each of these incidents reflects a growing crisis in responsible gun ownership-particularly the failure of caregivers to store firearms securely and pay attention to behavioral warning signs. Parents who allow their children unsupervised access to deadly weapons must share accountability when those weapons are used to harm others. Therefore, parents and guardians should face criminal consequences alongside the child when negligent firearm storage plays a direct role in enabling a mass shooting. In addition to securing firearms, caregivers have a moral and legal duty to remain alert to their child's mental and emotional state, especially when weapons are present in the household. Judges are increasingly recognizing this responsibility, shifting legal accountability toward those who create environments where violence can grow unchecked. In the aftermath of Kirk's death, universities and schools have responded by implementing stronger security measures; however, these reactive strategies occur only after devastation has already taken place. As a nation, and particularly as lawful gun owners, we must shift from outdated cultural norms that once permitted casual firearm display toward rigorous safety practices that prioritize the protection of human life. Preventing future tragedies begins long before a child enters a school or public venue-it starts at home with responsible parents who take their role seriously. Without meaningful change, more lives will be cut short by violence that could have been prevented.
As a firearm owner, the individual to whom the weapon is registered is responsible for taking proper precautions when storing the firearm after use or routine maintenance. While state laws may not always dictate specific storage procedures, organizations such as the National Rifle Association recommend using a gun safe as the most secure option, followed by gun cabinets, security cases, and cable locks to prevent unauthorized access. The priority is ensuring that weapons are inaccessible to those who may mishandle them, especially children and individuals who are not trained in firearm safety. Upon purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer, owners are provided with multiple safety resources, including instructional pamphlets on proper handling, cleaning, and storage. These materials are supplied at no cost by the manufacturer and dealer, ensuring that every gun owner has access to basic safety education. Because this information is readily available at the time of purchase, there is no excuse for an owner to claim a lack of knowledge regarding the safe handling of their weapon. Responsible firearm ownership extends beyond individual use and includes safeguarding the weapon from potential misuse. Part of this responsibility also involves educating other members of the household about firearm safety. Universal gun safety rules-such as keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction, treating every gun as if it is loaded, keeping one's finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and being aware of the target and what lies beyond it-are widely adopted across firearms training agencies due to their effectiveness in preventing accidental injury. Teaching these principles helps create a culture of accountability within the home. Failure to implement proper safety measures can result in severe consequences, including negligent discharges, theft, or violent crimes committed with the unsecured weapon. The seriousness of owning and operating a firearm cannot be overstated, as improper storage and handling can quickly escalate into tragedy. For this reason, gun owners-particularly those with children in the home-must maintain strict and consistent habits regarding storage and handling to protect themselves and those around them.
With the ever-growing awareness of mental health and the expanding spectrum of psychological diagnoses, determining whether a child is mentally competent has become increasingly complex. Competency is a critical factor in legal settings because it ensures that the accused has the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of court proceedings. If competency is in question, a judge has the authority to order a psychiatric or psychological evaluation conducted by trained professionals who assess the child's cognitive functioning, emotional stability, and ability to participate in their defense (Justice). These assessments are essential in protecting the child's constitutional rights while also preserving the integrity of the judicial process. However, the responsibility for supporting a child's mental health should not fall solely on the legal system. Parents play a pivotal role in monitoring the wellbeing and emotional stability of their children long before courtroom intervention is considered. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" applies directly here, underscoring that mental health is both a family and community responsibility. Parents are often the first to notice changes in behavior, such as drastic mood shifts, withdrawal from family or friends, changes in appetite or sleep routines, and expressions of self-harm. These early indicators demand immediate attention, as timely intervention by mental health professionals may prevent dangerous behavior from escalating into serious harm.Other adults who interact with children daily-such as daycare staff, teachers, counselors, and coaches-also play an important role in identifying warning signs that parents may overlook. These individuals observe children in various social environments where shifts in behavior and emotional functioning can become more visible. When concerning patterns emerge, quick communication with caregivers and appropriate referral to support resources can significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, many instances of neglect occur not due to a lack of awareness but rather because parents minimize or deny their child's struggles. When caregivers ignore warning signs, dismiss professional advice, or assume the child will simply "grow out of it," they contribute to worsening behavioral issues and psychological harm. In severe cases, the absence of intervention can lead to violent or destructive actions that might otherwise have been prevented. Parental accountability, combined with community involvement and access to mental health services, is essential to ensuring that children receive the support they need before early symptoms evolve into irreversible consequences.
Within the past decade, legal accountability in cases of youth-involved gun violence has begun to extend beyond the child perpetrator to include the parents or guardians responsible for supervising and securing firearms. For example, "On October 17th, 2024, a Georgia grand jury indicted both a father and son on murder charges Thursday in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder" (Hyde). Reports indicated that the father had been repeatedly warned by his spouse to secure his firearms properly and to pay closer attention to their son's troubling behavior. The warning signs were evident, and early intervention by the parents could have prevented the tragedy entirely. This case highlights a shift in judicial perspectives, recognizing that parental negligence plays a direct role in youth access to firearms. This growing trend of holding caregivers accountable reflects a proactive approach to preventing future violence. By reinforcing the expectation that gun owners must monitor mental health concerns and secure their weapons, courts aim to reduce the number of children who gain access to deadly firearms. If a parent is unable or unwilling to responsibly store a weapon or model safe gun practices, that irresponsible behavior can be transferred to the child or others in the household, increasing the likelihood of misuse. The legal system's increased focus on parental involvement acknowledges the shared responsibility necessary to prevent youth gun violence before it occurs. Furthermore, accountability is not limited to parents alone. In a court ruling following the 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas, jurors determined that responsibility extended to multiple parties. According to the verdict, "Jurors instead put the responsibility with Dimitrios Pagourtzis and a firearms ammunition retailer in a verdict that awarded families more than $300 million total in damages, including for pain and mental anguish" (Weber). This decision demonstrates that stakeholders across the firearm ecosystem-including sellers-may face legal consequences when failures in safety oversight contribute to violence. By analyzing each case thoroughly, judges are increasingly considering how the incident happened, the motivations behind it, and what consequences are fair and just for the victims.
During research into school safety procedures, it becomes evident that most educational institutions-both universities and K-12 schools-primarily rely on reactive security measures that only activate once a threat is present. Lockdowns, alert systems, and rapid law enforcement deployment are essential tools, but they do not stop weapons from entering school grounds in the first place. If society truly hopes to reduce the frequency of school shootings, efforts must shift toward prevention long before a child arrives on campus with the means to cause harm. Preventative approaches require a stronger emphasis on early intervention and parental responsibility, beginning in the home where behavioral concerns and access to firearms are most easily observed. Parents are uniquely positioned to notice early warning signs such as aggression, withdrawal, fascination with weapons, or drastic emotional changes. Monitoring their child's belongings-such as checking backpacks, jackets, or vehicles before they leave for school-can help ensure that weapons or dangerous objects never make it to school property. While some may argue that such oversight invades a child's privacy, the safety of students, teachers, and community members must take precedence. A simple precaution could be the difference between a normal school day and a devastating tragedy. Community involvement is equally necessary. Local law enforcement and School Resource Officers (SROs) can act as both a deterrent to violence and a trusted resource for students experiencing crises. When officers build positive relationships within schools, they are more likely to learn about threats ahead of time through student reports or observations of concerning behavior. Enhanced information-sharing between police, school counselors, and administrators ensures that no credible warning goes unaddressed. Schools must also maintain robust staff training. Conducting regular safety drills-scheduled and unscheduled-helps teachers and administrators respond efficiently under pressure. These drills create familiarity with protective actions, reducing panic and confusion should a real threat occur. In addition, schools may implement controlled and legally guided safety screenings at entrances. Random searches, when conducted with transparency and respect for student rights, provide an added safeguard against unauthorized weapons. Technology can further support prevention efforts. Modern campuses are increasingly utilizing security cameras, locked-door systems, metal detectors, and anonymous reporting apps that allow students to share concerns about peers without fear of retaliation. These tools encourage communication and help authorities intervene before a violent plan is carried out. Ultimately, proactive strategies require a united front-parents, educators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and students all have a role in preventing violence. While no single solution guarantees absolute safety, a culture that prioritizes early detection, responsible firearm ownership, and strong community partnership drastically reduces risk. By shifting the focus from reacting to shootings to stopping them before they happen, we create schools where learning, not fear, shapes the student experience.
For the prevention of mass shootings to take meaningful effect, cultural attitudes toward firearms must evolve. Traditional views of "proper storage," often passed down generationally, no longer align with today's advanced technology, increased population density, and heightened awareness of safety concerns. In the past, firearms were frequently displayed openly on mantels or stored casually in a closet, based on trust within the home and a lack of perceived threat. Modern realities demand a more responsible and secure approach. Firearm owners must embrace updated safety protocols that prioritize security above convenience, ensuring that weapons remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, particularly children. Another proactive strategy includes improving accountability within the firearm supply chain. Weapon tracking through serial number flagging could be expanded so that, when a firearm is used in a crime, investigators can quickly trace it back to the last responsible owner or point of sale. If a firearm used in a shooting did not come from the accused's home, law enforcement should identify whether negligence or illegal distribution contributed to its availability. Holding both individual gun owners and firearm retailers accountable for reckless transfers or storage could deter irresponsible behavior and reduce the circulation of unsecured guns. This method places legal responsibility not only on the person who pulls the trigger but also on those who failed to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Currently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation primarily flags individuals who are legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, such as those with certain criminal convictions or mental health adjudications (Federal). While this is a necessary component of background check systems, it does not fully address situations where weapons are acquired through private sales, unsecured household access, or theft. Expanding firearm-tracking policies could close existing loopholes and create a comprehensive network of accountability that supports public safety without infringing upon lawful gun ownership. Although these suggestions represent only a portion of the changes needed, they highlight the necessity of shifting from reactive policies to proactive strategies. Lawmakers must recognize that investing in prevention-not simply responding after tragedy occurs-will save thousands of lives. By modernizing safety expectations, strengthening tracking and accountability systems, and encouraging responsible ownership at every level, society can move closer to a future where school shootings and firearm-related violence are far less common.
As the arguments presented throughout this paper demonstrate, the fight against mass shootings must begin inside the home, with parents and caregivers serving as the first line of prevention. When adults choose to keep firearms in the household, they accept not only the right to bear arms but also the responsibility to ensure those weapons are secured and inaccessible to children or individuals experiencing mental or emotional crises. If parents disregard proper storage practices or fail to address concerning behaviors, the legal system must intervene to reinforce accountability. Courts should continue to uphold due process in ways that encourage cultural change, including holding parents criminally responsible when their negligence directly enables their child to commit acts of violence. This call for accountability is not rooted in punishment for its own sake, nor is it shaped by debates over political ideology or financial costs. Rather, the goal is to protect the lives of students, teachers, and community members who deserve safety in schools and public spaces. Placing blame only on the child ignores the systemic failures and adult responsibilities that lead to these tragedies. Preventing further loss of life requires compassion, shared responsibility, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about how firearms are handled in our society. Whether one supports or opposes widespread firearm ownership, everyone can agree that no more innocent lives should be stolen because of preventable negligence. By prioritizing proactive safety measures, enforcing laws that reflect modern risks, and fostering a cultural shift toward responsible gun ownership, society can take meaningful steps to stop mass shootings before they occur. Ultimately, preserving life must remain our highest priority, as every victim lost represents not just a statistic, but a future erased too soon.
Work Cited
I would appreciate some feedback on this written assignment. Thank you very much.
Matthew Verboom
Professor Palazzolo
ENG102 - First Year Composition
Gun Violence: Parent or Child?
On September 10th, 2025, Charles James Kirk was assassinated during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University by a minor who gained access to his grandfather's unsecured rifle. After the attack, the young shooter discarded the weapon and fled the scene, only being identified when his parents recognized him in surveillance footage broadcast on the news. Tragedies like this are becoming increasingly common across the United States, where children are obtaining firearms from their own homes with little to no parental oversight. Each of these incidents reflects a growing crisis in responsible gun ownership-particularly the failure of caregivers to store firearms securely and pay attention to behavioral warning signs. Parents who allow their children unsupervised access to deadly weapons must share accountability when those weapons are used to harm others. Therefore, parents and guardians should face criminal consequences alongside the child when negligent firearm storage plays a direct role in enabling a mass shooting. In addition to securing firearms, caregivers have a moral and legal duty to remain alert to their child's mental and emotional state, especially when weapons are present in the household. Judges are increasingly recognizing this responsibility, shifting legal accountability toward those who create environments where violence can grow unchecked. In the aftermath of Kirk's death, universities and schools have responded by implementing stronger security measures; however, these reactive strategies occur only after devastation has already taken place. As a nation, and particularly as lawful gun owners, we must shift from outdated cultural norms that once permitted casual firearm display toward rigorous safety practices that prioritize the protection of human life. Preventing future tragedies begins long before a child enters a school or public venue-it starts at home with responsible parents who take their role seriously. Without meaningful change, more lives will be cut short by violence that could have been prevented.
As a firearm owner, the individual to whom the weapon is registered is responsible for taking proper precautions when storing the firearm after use or routine maintenance. While state laws may not always dictate specific storage procedures, organizations such as the National Rifle Association recommend using a gun safe as the most secure option, followed by gun cabinets, security cases, and cable locks to prevent unauthorized access. The priority is ensuring that weapons are inaccessible to those who may mishandle them, especially children and individuals who are not trained in firearm safety. Upon purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer, owners are provided with multiple safety resources, including instructional pamphlets on proper handling, cleaning, and storage. These materials are supplied at no cost by the manufacturer and dealer, ensuring that every gun owner has access to basic safety education. Because this information is readily available at the time of purchase, there is no excuse for an owner to claim a lack of knowledge regarding the safe handling of their weapon. Responsible firearm ownership extends beyond individual use and includes safeguarding the weapon from potential misuse. Part of this responsibility also involves educating other members of the household about firearm safety. Universal gun safety rules-such as keeping firearms pointed in a safe direction, treating every gun as if it is loaded, keeping one's finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and being aware of the target and what lies beyond it-are widely adopted across firearms training agencies due to their effectiveness in preventing accidental injury. Teaching these principles helps create a culture of accountability within the home. Failure to implement proper safety measures can result in severe consequences, including negligent discharges, theft, or violent crimes committed with the unsecured weapon. The seriousness of owning and operating a firearm cannot be overstated, as improper storage and handling can quickly escalate into tragedy. For this reason, gun owners-particularly those with children in the home-must maintain strict and consistent habits regarding storage and handling to protect themselves and those around them.
With the ever-growing awareness of mental health and the expanding spectrum of psychological diagnoses, determining whether a child is mentally competent has become increasingly complex. Competency is a critical factor in legal settings because it ensures that the accused has the capacity to understand the nature and consequences of court proceedings. If competency is in question, a judge has the authority to order a psychiatric or psychological evaluation conducted by trained professionals who assess the child's cognitive functioning, emotional stability, and ability to participate in their defense (Justice). These assessments are essential in protecting the child's constitutional rights while also preserving the integrity of the judicial process. However, the responsibility for supporting a child's mental health should not fall solely on the legal system. Parents play a pivotal role in monitoring the wellbeing and emotional stability of their children long before courtroom intervention is considered. The saying "It takes a village to raise a child" applies directly here, underscoring that mental health is both a family and community responsibility. Parents are often the first to notice changes in behavior, such as drastic mood shifts, withdrawal from family or friends, changes in appetite or sleep routines, and expressions of self-harm. These early indicators demand immediate attention, as timely intervention by mental health professionals may prevent dangerous behavior from escalating into serious harm.Other adults who interact with children daily-such as daycare staff, teachers, counselors, and coaches-also play an important role in identifying warning signs that parents may overlook. These individuals observe children in various social environments where shifts in behavior and emotional functioning can become more visible. When concerning patterns emerge, quick communication with caregivers and appropriate referral to support resources can significantly improve outcomes. Unfortunately, many instances of neglect occur not due to a lack of awareness but rather because parents minimize or deny their child's struggles. When caregivers ignore warning signs, dismiss professional advice, or assume the child will simply "grow out of it," they contribute to worsening behavioral issues and psychological harm. In severe cases, the absence of intervention can lead to violent or destructive actions that might otherwise have been prevented. Parental accountability, combined with community involvement and access to mental health services, is essential to ensuring that children receive the support they need before early symptoms evolve into irreversible consequences.
Within the past decade, legal accountability in cases of youth-involved gun violence has begun to extend beyond the child perpetrator to include the parents or guardians responsible for supervising and securing firearms. For example, "On October 17th, 2024, a Georgia grand jury indicted both a father and son on murder charges Thursday in a mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder" (Hyde). Reports indicated that the father had been repeatedly warned by his spouse to secure his firearms properly and to pay closer attention to their son's troubling behavior. The warning signs were evident, and early intervention by the parents could have prevented the tragedy entirely. This case highlights a shift in judicial perspectives, recognizing that parental negligence plays a direct role in youth access to firearms. This growing trend of holding caregivers accountable reflects a proactive approach to preventing future violence. By reinforcing the expectation that gun owners must monitor mental health concerns and secure their weapons, courts aim to reduce the number of children who gain access to deadly firearms. If a parent is unable or unwilling to responsibly store a weapon or model safe gun practices, that irresponsible behavior can be transferred to the child or others in the household, increasing the likelihood of misuse. The legal system's increased focus on parental involvement acknowledges the shared responsibility necessary to prevent youth gun violence before it occurs. Furthermore, accountability is not limited to parents alone. In a court ruling following the 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School in Texas, jurors determined that responsibility extended to multiple parties. According to the verdict, "Jurors instead put the responsibility with Dimitrios Pagourtzis and a firearms ammunition retailer in a verdict that awarded families more than $300 million total in damages, including for pain and mental anguish" (Weber). This decision demonstrates that stakeholders across the firearm ecosystem-including sellers-may face legal consequences when failures in safety oversight contribute to violence. By analyzing each case thoroughly, judges are increasingly considering how the incident happened, the motivations behind it, and what consequences are fair and just for the victims.
During research into school safety procedures, it becomes evident that most educational institutions-both universities and K-12 schools-primarily rely on reactive security measures that only activate once a threat is present. Lockdowns, alert systems, and rapid law enforcement deployment are essential tools, but they do not stop weapons from entering school grounds in the first place. If society truly hopes to reduce the frequency of school shootings, efforts must shift toward prevention long before a child arrives on campus with the means to cause harm. Preventative approaches require a stronger emphasis on early intervention and parental responsibility, beginning in the home where behavioral concerns and access to firearms are most easily observed. Parents are uniquely positioned to notice early warning signs such as aggression, withdrawal, fascination with weapons, or drastic emotional changes. Monitoring their child's belongings-such as checking backpacks, jackets, or vehicles before they leave for school-can help ensure that weapons or dangerous objects never make it to school property. While some may argue that such oversight invades a child's privacy, the safety of students, teachers, and community members must take precedence. A simple precaution could be the difference between a normal school day and a devastating tragedy. Community involvement is equally necessary. Local law enforcement and School Resource Officers (SROs) can act as both a deterrent to violence and a trusted resource for students experiencing crises. When officers build positive relationships within schools, they are more likely to learn about threats ahead of time through student reports or observations of concerning behavior. Enhanced information-sharing between police, school counselors, and administrators ensures that no credible warning goes unaddressed. Schools must also maintain robust staff training. Conducting regular safety drills-scheduled and unscheduled-helps teachers and administrators respond efficiently under pressure. These drills create familiarity with protective actions, reducing panic and confusion should a real threat occur. In addition, schools may implement controlled and legally guided safety screenings at entrances. Random searches, when conducted with transparency and respect for student rights, provide an added safeguard against unauthorized weapons. Technology can further support prevention efforts. Modern campuses are increasingly utilizing security cameras, locked-door systems, metal detectors, and anonymous reporting apps that allow students to share concerns about peers without fear of retaliation. These tools encourage communication and help authorities intervene before a violent plan is carried out. Ultimately, proactive strategies require a united front-parents, educators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and students all have a role in preventing violence. While no single solution guarantees absolute safety, a culture that prioritizes early detection, responsible firearm ownership, and strong community partnership drastically reduces risk. By shifting the focus from reacting to shootings to stopping them before they happen, we create schools where learning, not fear, shapes the student experience.
For the prevention of mass shootings to take meaningful effect, cultural attitudes toward firearms must evolve. Traditional views of "proper storage," often passed down generationally, no longer align with today's advanced technology, increased population density, and heightened awareness of safety concerns. In the past, firearms were frequently displayed openly on mantels or stored casually in a closet, based on trust within the home and a lack of perceived threat. Modern realities demand a more responsible and secure approach. Firearm owners must embrace updated safety protocols that prioritize security above convenience, ensuring that weapons remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, particularly children. Another proactive strategy includes improving accountability within the firearm supply chain. Weapon tracking through serial number flagging could be expanded so that, when a firearm is used in a crime, investigators can quickly trace it back to the last responsible owner or point of sale. If a firearm used in a shooting did not come from the accused's home, law enforcement should identify whether negligence or illegal distribution contributed to its availability. Holding both individual gun owners and firearm retailers accountable for reckless transfers or storage could deter irresponsible behavior and reduce the circulation of unsecured guns. This method places legal responsibility not only on the person who pulls the trigger but also on those who failed to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Currently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation primarily flags individuals who are legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms, such as those with certain criminal convictions or mental health adjudications (Federal). While this is a necessary component of background check systems, it does not fully address situations where weapons are acquired through private sales, unsecured household access, or theft. Expanding firearm-tracking policies could close existing loopholes and create a comprehensive network of accountability that supports public safety without infringing upon lawful gun ownership. Although these suggestions represent only a portion of the changes needed, they highlight the necessity of shifting from reactive policies to proactive strategies. Lawmakers must recognize that investing in prevention-not simply responding after tragedy occurs-will save thousands of lives. By modernizing safety expectations, strengthening tracking and accountability systems, and encouraging responsible ownership at every level, society can move closer to a future where school shootings and firearm-related violence are far less common.
As the arguments presented throughout this paper demonstrate, the fight against mass shootings must begin inside the home, with parents and caregivers serving as the first line of prevention. When adults choose to keep firearms in the household, they accept not only the right to bear arms but also the responsibility to ensure those weapons are secured and inaccessible to children or individuals experiencing mental or emotional crises. If parents disregard proper storage practices or fail to address concerning behaviors, the legal system must intervene to reinforce accountability. Courts should continue to uphold due process in ways that encourage cultural change, including holding parents criminally responsible when their negligence directly enables their child to commit acts of violence. This call for accountability is not rooted in punishment for its own sake, nor is it shaped by debates over political ideology or financial costs. Rather, the goal is to protect the lives of students, teachers, and community members who deserve safety in schools and public spaces. Placing blame only on the child ignores the systemic failures and adult responsibilities that lead to these tragedies. Preventing further loss of life requires compassion, shared responsibility, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about how firearms are handled in our society. Whether one supports or opposes widespread firearm ownership, everyone can agree that no more innocent lives should be stolen because of preventable negligence. By prioritizing proactive safety measures, enforcing laws that reflect modern risks, and fostering a cultural shift toward responsible gun ownership, society can take meaningful steps to stop mass shootings before they occur. Ultimately, preserving life must remain our highest priority, as every victim lost represents not just a statistic, but a future erased too soon.
Work Cited
