Two mass shootings occurred over this past weekend, with two deceased victims in a Saturday shooting at Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island, and 16 in an attack on a Jewish community’s Hanukkah celebration in Bondi, Australia. Communities across the globe are once again left devastated with the reminder that gun violence is not an isolated or distant issue.
On Saturday, December 13 at approximately 4:00 P.M., a gunman fired shots inside the first floor of an Engineering building on Brown University’s campus, where students were preparing for final exams. University officials reported that 10 students were shot and left in critical condition; an 11th victim was injured by bullet fragments. Eight of the victims, including the two deceased, were Brown University students. The university issued a shelter in place order which has since been lifted as law enforcement searches for the suspect. The gunman fled the campus on foot, and security footage reveals little information about his identity, complicating the investigation. Authorities announced that they had a person of interest in custody, but have since revealed that he has been released due to a lack of evidence. As the investigation continues, the Brown University community is left shattered at the tragic loss they have experienced so close to the end of the fall semester.
At around 6:40 P.M. on Sunday, December 14th, two gunmen opened fire on a Jewish celebration of the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, causing the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996. Over 40 victims were injured, including four children, and 16 killed in the attack. Authorities have confirmed that the deceased victims include a ten year old girl and a Holocaust survivor. The attack has since been labeled an antisemetic terrorist event by Australian officials. Both of the perpetrators—a 50 year old man and his 24 year old son—were identified and shot by police on the scene. Following the devastation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared that officials will discuss further strengthening the country’s gun laws.
For many students processing this weekend’s tragic events, the violence may feel overwhelming or painfully familiar. According to a recent CNN gun violence analysis report, “There have been at least 75 school shootings in the United States so far this year, as of December 13. Forty-three were on college campuses, and 32 were on K-12 school grounds. The incidents left at least 31 people dead and more than 100 other victims injured”. While federal gun legislation requires background checks prior to gun sales, gun laws vary greatly between states and often stop short of comprehensive action and reform. The cycle of tragedy, mourning, and fading attention without policy change can leave students frustrated and disillusioned. If you are feeling the impact of the recent tragedies, the royal wellness center and our team of counselors are always available to talk or discuss safety protocols.
