September 10, 2025: a day that started out with normalcy, but ended with national mourning and questioning what our country has become.
While everyone was performing their day-to-day activities, news struck of public speaker, Charlie Kirk, getting shot while visiting Utah Valley University. Kirk was known for his strength in public speaking and debating, to which he dedicated towards supporting the Trump foundation/campaign. On most occasions, he would visit college campuses, hold events, and host conventions open to the public. In doing so, people had the opportunity to speak by either debating, conversing, or questioning Kirk. It was evident he had a passion for his job and speaking out about his political beliefs. Kirk visited Utah Valley University, to which it started out like the many other ordinary visits he had performed prior. Only a short amount of time into the event passed before Kirk was shot in the neck, carried out, and reported dead in the span of a few brief hours. Videos and posts went out across all social media platforms, articles were immediately published, and news channels spread word of this tragic event. No matter what viewpoint or beliefs, everyone was shocked and devastated by the news of another victim of gun violence. No one ever deserves to have their life shortened or taken from them, and this is no different in the case of Kirk. The police have recently arrested Tyler Robinson, the suspect held accountable for this murder. Robinson, a 22 year old male, was turned in by his own parents not long after the incident. It is of the public’s surprise that Robinson and his family shared beliefs with Kirk, so what prompted him to take this violent action? The answer can’t truly be known and is yet to be released, but one may assume that some mental instability could be a factor, as it is common in most gun violence occurrences. It is heartbreaking for any family to lose a member, but Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, and their two kids must now live life without his physical presence. For the following five days after Kirk’s passing, president Trump ordered that all flags be positioned and flown at half-staff in memoriam.
Later in the same day, another sickening event occurred along the same pattern. Though taking place at Evergreen High School in Colorado, this incident was also held at fault for gun violence. It was reported that a student belonging to the school opened fire, leaving a few classmates wounded before then turning the gun on himself. Fortunately all of the wounded students were able to return home with minor injuries after receiving hospital care, but the shooter had passed away due to his self-inflicted gunshot wound. The identity of the student responsible has not been released, but may their family be kept in mind. Parents and families of Evergreen High School met to comfort one another after this harsh awakening. Prayers and thoughts go out to all of those who were involved or witnessed this traumatic event. 
The tragic events that took place on September 10, 2025, were felt deeply, but only served as a reminder of the many cases that gun violence has been an issue. In the past year, the United States has experienced 302 mass shootings, as well as 10,480 firearm homicides, murders, and unintentional shooting deaths. That is yet to consider the total of 19,178 injuries in addition. These numbers have been taken from mass shootings, murders/assassinations, school shootings, and other cases. To consider the amount of elementary, middle, or high school students that are a part of those numbers is sickening. Gun violence has long been an issue in our nation, and recent events contribute to this prolonged issue. Although, since Kirk was a known speaker and advocated for the president, his passing in particular got some of the most recognition yet. Due to this recognition one can hope that gun violence will start to get more attention and people will work to fix this serious matter.
Considering that the statistics above were only from the span of one year, it is horrifying to think of what the numbers will add up to if something isn’t done to fix this issue. Let the events of September 10, 2025, serve as a harsh reality check, awakening, and an eye-opening occurrence. May our nation as a whole grief and reflect on the most recent events, but most importantly ask ourselves: what are we going to do so this doesn’t continue to happen? For the current generation and future generations to come, let the growing problem of gun violence be seen and resolved.
