Archives: Morning Breakouts

President Donald Trump and other lawmakers are boosting the idea of red flag laws, which allow loved ones and law enforcement to take guns away from someone they suspect may hurt themselves or others. Although there's strong evidence that they reduce suicides, beyond that little research has been done on such protection orders' effectiveness. Furthermore, psychology experts say a significant number of mass shooters are in their late teens to early 20s, when signs of severe mental illness may not yet be observable.

Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) said anything was on the table but that any changes must be consistent with the Second Amendment and must be able to pass the Republican-dominated legislature -- which could be a tall order. Republican state lawmakers previously opposed former Gov. John Kasich's attempt to pass a red flag law.

Media outlets cover the aftermath of the latest two mass shootings, including a warning from federal officials that the incidents could spark others across the country. "The FBI asks the American public to report to law enforcement any suspicious activity that is observed either in person or online," the agency says.

“The overwhelming majority of people with mental illness are not violent and far more likely to be victims of violent crime than perpetrators of violence," said the American Psychiatric Association. "Rhetoric that argues otherwise will further stigmatize and interfere with people accessing needed treatment." But what does cause these shooters to lash out? Experts say it isn't the video games that are also often blamed. There are contributing factors, like a radicalization of ideology, that can prove to be warning signs however.

Congress failed to pass significant reforms following mass shootings in the past, but action following this weekend's events is especially unlikely considering lawmakers just left Washington, D.C. for a five-week recess. However, President Donald Trump and leading Republicans hint at support for strong background checks and red flag laws.

President Donald Trump addressed the nation after two mass shootings over the weekend, pointing to internet bigotry, white supremacy and mental illness as root causes. "Hate has no place in America. Hatred warps the mind, ravages the heart and devours the soul," he said. However, the president stopped short of endorsing any sweeping gun control measures, nor did he address charges that his own language and behavior contributes to the culture of racism and violence.