We are all struggling to combat firearms violence but there is little consensus on what is the magic mix of law and policy. Now, recently released research validates that collective changes in law and policy can result in an aggregate reduction in gun violence. But only if the changes remain in place.

If you don’t have an emergency plan for a shooting in public, at a school, or in your business, check websites and ask those in charge. The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation both have useful films and training tips in Run, Hide, Fight, the federal directive to help you keep safe.

Mr. King’s frustration with gun violence and his feeling of helplessness for our country are not unique, but they are born more from exhaustion than reality. I reject his view that “there is no solution to the gun problem.”

Talking to your kids about gun safety and firearm violence does not have to be scary. Take control of your safety and learn how to talk about guns with anyone, including children. #stopthekilling #gainthefacts

Could enhanced firearm research have led to policies or laws that might have prevented active shooting incidents at Robb Elementary, Covenant Christian, and Michigan State University? Valuable research is part of the solution as well as the role of the courts. The U.S. Supreme Court announced Friday that it will hear United States v. Rahimi, a case weighing the firearms rights of people under domestic violence restraining orders.

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.