Binghamton Attack: 13 Killed in New York Hostage Situation

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A gunman killed 13 people in a hostage situation in New York, prompting discussions about the motives behind such violent acts. Initial assumptions of a terrorist attack shifted as it was revealed the shooter was Asian, leading to debates about race and mental health issues. Many participants emphasized the need for stricter gun control and mental health care, arguing that easy access to firearms contributes to these tragedies. The incident is part of a troubling trend, with multiple mass shootings occurring in a short period. The lack of a clear motive highlights the complexity of understanding such violent events 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.