Binghamton Attack: 13 Killed in New York Hostage Situation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a recent hostage situation in New York that resulted in multiple fatalities. Participants explore various aspects of the incident, including potential motives, the implications of gun access, and comparisons to other mass shootings. The conversation touches on themes of race, mental health, and societal responses to gun violence.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants speculate on the motives of the gunman, suggesting personal reasons rather than a racially motivated attack.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of gun access in the U.S. and its relation to mass shootings, with some arguing that easy access to firearms contributes to the frequency of such incidents.
  • Participants express differing views on whether the attack could be classified as terrorism, with some suggesting it may be a retaliatory act while others see it as an isolated incident driven by personal issues.
  • Concerns are raised about the mental health system and its role in preventing gun violence, with suggestions that better funding and regulations could help mitigate risks.
  • Some participants question the logic behind the actions of mass shooters, suggesting that they may not be acting rationally.
  • There is a recurring theme of comparing the frequency of mass shootings in the U.S. to incidents in other countries, with some participants advocating for a reevaluation of gun laws based on these comparisons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views regarding the motives behind the attack, the role of race, and the effectiveness of current gun laws. Participants do not reach a consensus on these issues, and the conversation remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the classification of the attack and the motivations behind it. There are also unresolved discussions about the implications of gun laws and mental health care in relation to mass shootings.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the social implications of gun violence, mental health issues, and the complexities surrounding mass shootings in the U.S.

  • #31
Binghamton is close to where I'm located. This story was in our local paper this morning. This is indeed sad news that is very unnerving.

I am a Pennsylvania resident, having lived in Pittsburgh for a while as well. I also think it is way too easy to get guns here.

I know a guy who is pro-gun to the point of absurdity. Recently there was a story about a ten year old boy shooting his dad and dad's girlfriend with his shotgun, given to him by his father. I argued that the boy shot not have been given a shotgun by his father, as he was not old enough to begin to be responsible enough. This guy I know insists the kid had a right to his own gun, even after what happened.

I don't think guns should be made illegal, but there needs to be limits. The problem is not legal limits, it is attitudes like this guy's attitude that prevent the needed limits from ever being enforced.
 
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  • #32
cristo said:
Yup, he sounds like a right nutter, or perhaps just a spoilt child who loved his guns a little too much and treated them like toys!

Most of these sorts of shooters are from lower to lower-middle class backgrounds. If you consider the sorts of pressures on gang members, both social and economic, you will likely find similar pressures at work on most white supremecists and these crazy gun nut shooters.
 
  • #33
A picture of an asocial loner is definitely emerging.

That strongly suggests this was a "common" spree killing, rather than an ideologically motivated terrorist attack.
 
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  • #34
G01 said:
I know a guy who is pro-gun to the point of absurdity. Recently there was a story about a ten year old boy shooting his dad and dad's girlfriend with his shotgun, given to him by his father. I argued that the boy shot not have been given a shotgun by his father, as he was not old enough to begin to be responsible enough. This guy I know insists the kid had a right to his own gun, even after what happened.

I don't think guns should be made illegal, but there needs to be limits. The problem is not legal limits, it is attitudes like this guy's attitude that prevent the needed limits from ever being enforced.

In my own experience I had a .22 rifle from when I was about 12 and a 20 gauge shotgun at 14. But they were only used on our own property, and I grew up with careful attention to gun safety. The bullets were always, always removed, and the gun was never picked up without checking to see if it was loaded. My .22 was a single shot, and hence the breech remained uncocked until actual use. Though I most often used my Dad's .22 pump action that carried a tube of shells that accommodated shorts to long rifle, when I went fishing. It had a beautiful heft and balance to it. (I was hell on tin cans and occasionally turtle heads, though never really sure, and the rare water moccasins that I was ever lucky enough to hit.)

But it was a different time. It was the time before seat belts and cigarette warning labels.