Mass shootings have become a tragic and recurring part of life in many communities, affecting vulnerable populations from elementary school children to college students, and striking at public gatherings, places of worship and entertainment venues.

How can we understand both sides of gun control to bring an end to senseless tragic killings from Sandy Hook in Newtown, Connecticut before Christmas in 2012 to the recent tragedy on another college campus at Florida State University in Tallahassee just before Easter?

Addressing gun control in this context involves a multifaceted approach that balances public safety with constitutional rights. Key strategies often discussed include implementing universal background checks, restricting access to high-capacity weapons, red flag laws to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk and promoting responsible gun ownership.

In addition to legislative action, there is a call for improved mental health support and community-based violence prevention programs. The overarching goal is to reduce the frequency and lethality of mass shootings while fostering a culture of safety and accountability.

Determining the necessity and instituting gun control is the responsibility of all. While the shooter in the recent tragedy is recovering from serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, it seems a futile quest as the rights of all need to be addressed. 

So where’s the balance? How can the freedom to carry a concealed weapon cover the safety of citizens living in such a society? It usually comes down to how well training, regulation and background checks are implemented. Societies that allow concealed carry, but with rigorous vetting, mandatory training and strict accountability, tend to mitigate some of the risks.

The safety of citizens in a society that allows concealed carry depends heavily on how that right is managed. Freedom alone doesn’t ensure safety—it has to be coupled with responsibility and oversight.

Though there is not a specific gun control hotline, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has a tip line at 1-888-ATF-TIPS; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and text at “START” to 88788; and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.