In recent years, the United States has been greatly affected by mass shootings. These events have shifted the lives of many and heavily impacted the nation. Shootings have been widespread, and families and friends of victims have been greatly affected.

The most recent shooting occurred on Oct. 1 in Las Vegas at a country music festival. 58 people were killed and at least 500 others were injured.

The gunman, Stephen Paddock, was later deemed mentally ill.

Lisa Crawford, the gunman’s girlfriend, said in an interview, “I just pray that they can solve the problem—that he had an alternate personality, or had a brain tumor.”

Heather Melton, a woman who attended the festival, described what she saw: “There were bodies all over the ground.”

Melton elaborated that she had attempted to save her husband with CPR after he was shot, but was unsuccessful. Melton is an example of the many people who are currently grieving loved ones.

The victims continue to be remembered by their loved ones and the entire nation.

The victims of the Las Vegas shooting and those mourning do not stand alone. Mass shootings have become prevalent in the U.S., especially in recent years.

The lives of five Dallas police officers were taken on July 7, 2016, in an attack during a demonstration against fatal police shootings.

On June 12, 2016, 49 people were killed and 53 were injured at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

On Dec. 2, 2015, a shooting took place in San Bernadino at a service center for people with disabilities, leaving over 14 dead and 17 wounded.

Today, mass shootings continue to plague our society.

Sources:

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-vegas-shooter-texas-20171006-story.html

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/us/mass-shootings-timeline.html

http://www.cnn.com/2017/10/03/us/las-vegas-shooting-investigation/index.html