Texas State University researchers tracked 520 attacks from 2000 to 2022 involving primarily guns but also knives and vehicles. Its research found civilians stopped 78 attacks with many involving security guards and off-duty police. Civilians used physical force to overwhelm the shooter in two out of three incidents. Compare that to the 26 incidents involving armed civilians who engaged, a tally involving 5% of the incidents throughout the 23-year review. Many of these involved armed security.

In addition to the priceless loss of life, Everytown For Gun Safety researchers last year estimated that gun violence costs the U.S. approximately $557 billion annually or 2.6% of the gross domestic product.

Who foots that bill? We all do.

Her immediate comment back to me, “I didn’t know they had that many poor people there.” As I calmed myself, I looked it up. The average household income in Highland Park is $232,000. The average household income in Uvalde is about $56,000. Our sensibilities tell us that grief and sadness is not a matter of rich or poor.