America has a death wish and one is constrained to note that Americans are killed by guns and bullets with alarming frequency. This time the shooting incident took place at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. As per last reports, 17 adults and children have been killed but the good news is that the gunman, who tried to mingle with the crowd and escape, has been arrested. In addition, about 20 students are injured. CNN has reported that the shooter was previously a student of the school who had been expelled and was aged 19.

The shooter

The student who carried out the massacre has been identified. His name is Nikolaus Cruz and he had been expelled from the school for misconduct. After his expulsion, there are reports that he had published some threatening posts on social media. The suspect used a .223 caliber, AR-15 style firearm in the shooting. It appears he wanted to inflict the maximum number of casualties and despite heroic efforts to save the students, 17 have died.

The killings have shocked America, but this always happens whenever a mass shooting takes place. The usual condolences, including one by President Trump, are offered but there seems to be no way to put a stop to these shootings. Fox news reported that this incident is among the ten deadliest mass shootings in modern US history.

Just a few months back, a killer rented a hotel room and opened fire on a group of revelers in Las Vegas, killing over 50.

Deathwish

Thankfully, as a result of emergency procedures put in place by authorities and the school, many lives were saved. What is disturbing is that these killings took place in Parkland, a city which was named Florida's safest, last year.

It appears such awards and citations to any city have no real value in a country consumed by a deathwish. The free availability of firearms is one cause of these murders, but then, nobody is eager to bell the cat. Despite lip service on controlling guns, nothing has happened on the ground.

Last word

It appears the American people are inured to such killings.

When they take place, there is a hue and cry but just after few days, business goes on as usual — till another shooting takes place.

In this incident, the suspect has been arrested and will be prosecuted. But it will be a small consolation to the relatives and friends of those who have been killed or the many others who are injured and could have permanent disabilities.
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