Rising Tide of Political Violence Exposes America’s Fragile Security

The nation is in shock over the shocking murder of President Donald Trump's cherished son, Charlie Kirk, in the United States, the world's leading power. This event has once more highlighted the threat of political violence in the country. Charlie Kirk was instrumental in rallying young Republican voters and was a fervent advocate for Israel. He was a significant figure in Trump's inner circle and had become the prominent face of Trump's Make America Great Again campaign.

While responding to questions about mass shootings at Utah Valley University, Charlie Kirk was suddenly shot in the neck and died immediately. Coincidentally, his murder occurred on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Charlie Kirk was known for making controversial remarks. On September 2, he posted that America should not issue more visas to Indians, stating that the country is full and should prioritize its own citizens. Charlie Kirk was shot in a manner similar to an incident involving Donald Trump during his election campaign, although Trump narrowly survived.

Within the last one year, America has witnessed such high profile murders or attempted murders 5 times. This list includes Trump himself, former House Speaker of Minnesota Melissa Hartman and her husband and right winger Nick. Incidents of political violence in America have sparked a debate on how common people can be safe if even the VIPs are not safe. Meanwhile, in a motel located in Dallas city of Texas state of America, Chandra Nagamallaiya, an Indian origin citizen from Karnataka, was beheaded by the employee of the same motel. Nagamallaiya's wife and son were present at the time of the murder. In a quarrel over the use of the washing machine, the killer beheaded Nagamallaiya, kicked him to the parking lot and threw the head in the dustbin. The killer is said to be a Cuban citizen. A week ago, 26-year-old Kapil of Jind, Haryana was shot dead. His only fault was that he had stopped an American from urinating on the roadside. Angered by this, the American took out his pistol and fired bullets at him.

Now the question is whether America has become intolerant and suicidal gun culture is bleeding people. Gun culture in America is linked to the right of citizens to bear arms under the country's second amendment and historical and social reasons, where people use guns for security, sports and self-defense. Gun culture in America has been going on since the time of British rule. When people had to protect themselves. News of people dying in incidents of firing in schools, clubs and restaurants in America is often heard. So far this year, more than 146 incidents of gun violence have taken place in America. Guns are easily available in shops in America and keeping guns has become a status symbol in the society.

According to a report, about 16.17 million (1.61 crore) guns were sold in the US in 2024. This represents a 3 percent decrease compared to last year (2023). In 2020, there was a record jump in gun sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest and the presidential election. An estimated 21.8 million (2.18 crore) guns were sold that year. Whenever there are elections or there is a discussion about making a law regarding gun control, people who buy guns often buy more guns thinking that there may be a ban on purchase in future. After incidents like mass shootings, some people buy guns for their self-defense. While this also increases the demand for gun control. Even during economic instability, people prefer to buy guns for protection. According to an estimate, American citizens have more than 39.3 crore guns. This number is more than the population of America. After the incidents of school shootings, the debate on banning guns in America intensified many times. Protests were also held in many cities of the country. People say that the number of people dying from guns is much more than those dying from terrorism. Voices have been raised from time to time against the gun culture, but the National Rifle Association and the gun lobby are so influential that the Democrat and Public parties have not been able to take any action so far. The gun lobby gives both the parties votes as well as a lot of money, so governments kept changing in America but nothing has happened so far. The other aspect is that color and racial discrimination still exists in America. Racism is also visible in the tendency to kill by firing guns in America. The way President Donald Trump is creating an atmosphere of hatred against immigrants is also increasing the incidents of hate crimes. Another important question is why the people of America do not trust the police administration. Why do they feel that the best way to protect themselves from any crime is to keep a weapon themselves. America, which gives the message of peace and harmony to the whole world, is itself bleeding. The government there has to decide about this.