Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as part of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. Now, every single person must pass thorough TSA screening upon entering an airport.
	In April 1996, Australia had a mass shooting in which one man killed 35 people with a semi-automatic weapon. Following this shooting, the country and its states implemented strict gun control legislation, including a ban on rapid-fire guns. According to a 2016 study by the University of Sydney, 13 fatal mass shootings occurred from 1979-1996. After gun control legislation was put in place, no fatal mass shootings occurred from 1997 through May 2016 in Australia.
	In the past 5 months, the U.S. has seen 3 of its deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history, so why have we not seen change? How many more deaths will it take until we see legitimate change?
	Under current legislation, people can legally buy assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons, such as the commonly used AR-15 that can fire up to 45 rounds in one minute. This weapon is the same weapon used at the Pulse nightclub shooting, the Las Vegas massacre and the recent shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
	Additionally, background checks are loose and insufficient, allowing many unqualified people to legally purchase weapons. One year ago, President Trump signed a bill revoking an Obama-era regulation that made it much more difficult for people with mental illnesses to purchase guns. Such actions pose an important question: Why are politicians constantly protecting the NRA and money over the lives and safety of our people?
	The issue surrounding gun control is no longer about the 2nd Amendment. It is not about the Republicans and the Democrats. It is about protecting our people, and until Americans see gun control legislation put in place, we will not feel truly protected by our government.
	Mass shootings are not just an issue of mental health, as political commentator Tomi Lahren tweeted, “This isn’t about a gun it’s about another lunatic.” Carly Novell, a senior at Majory Stoneman Douglas High School, responded, “I was hiding in a closet for 2 hours. . . . This IS about guns and this is about all the people who had their life abruptly ended because of guns.”