Recently, the Southeast community has been impacted by gun-related incidents which resulted in two deaths. On Jan. 29, the 14-year-old son of security guard Claude Hodges was fatally shot allegedly by his biological mother. On Feb. 2, junior Julio Ruiz Guedea was shot and killed and a 14-year-old boy has been arrested in his murder. 

Another recent shooting took place in KC on Feb. 14 at a Super Bowl parade celebrating the Chiefs’ victory, one woman was killed and 22 people were injured. About half of those shot were children.

The issue of gun control in the United States is a complex topic that is hotly debated. Instead of prioritizing the safety of our citizens, Kansas legislators are looking to prioritize gun rights over human lives.

Republicans in the state legislature have proposed an amendment that would give the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories and firearm components constitutional protection. If this law is put in place, gun rights will have the same level of protection as the protections listed under the first amendment.

Kansas is a very conservative state and Republicans in the legislature continue to deflect from the issue of gun misuse and this amendment would make it more difficult to restrict gun laws in the future to help prevent further loss of life.

Currently, the state does not require licenses or permits for anyone 18 or older to openly carry a firearm in public. This is beyond disappointing as guns have had and continue to have an impact on public safety, yet no action is being taken. 

For this to stop, we must address the root causes contributing to gun violence including mental health issues and substance abuse and advocate for stricter gun control laws. To ensure the safety of future generations, we should not be eliminating one of the only potential solutions to keeping firearms out of the hands of those who are unqualified for the possession of one.