Are UK Mass Shootings Becoming the New Normal?

On Sunday 10th November, 2024 we had a mass shooting in England (BBC News, 2024). It was the same day we also had a mass stabbing (Sky News, 2024). Both incidents happened in East London. I was lucky to come across the news somehow, but the reality is that neither of these incidents made it to news’ headlines, and were quickly forgotten. Are we starting to get used to these events taking place in this jurisdiction?

That is how it began in the United States. First, everyone saw the headlines of mass shootings taking place every few years. For instance, in April, 1999, the prolific Columbine mass shooting took place (CNN, 2024). It shocked everyone, and the entire world witnessed it. The next mass shooting took place 8 years later. It was also shocking and it was actually larger in its impact. Then, every 2-3 years a mass shooting would take place, until it rose to several incidents per year. Nowadays, people in the US are used to this happening on a daily basis (Knutson, J., Axios, 2023). According to Schroering (2024), nearly 43,000 people were shot and killed last year in the United States and 125 people are, on average, shot and killed every day there.

Back in the Day Mass Shootings Shocked Great Britain

The small city of Plymouth in the United Kingdom was shocked when a mass shooting took place on a quiet summer day in 2021. The perpetrator, Jake Davison, a 22-year-old man with a history of mental health issues, went on a shooting spree, taking the lives of 5 innocent people before turning the gun on himself. Among the victims was his own mother.

It was later revealed that Davison had been struggling with severe depression and feelings of isolation for years. He had a troubled childhood, marked by neglect and abuse, which had left deep scars on his psyche. Despite numerous attempts to seek help, Davidson’s mental health deteriorated to the point where he felt he had no other option but to lash out in violence.

The tragic incident in Plymouth shed light on the need for better mental health support and interventions for individuals like Davison who are at risk of harming themselves or others. It also sparked a debate on gun control laws in the UK, as Davison had obtained his weapon legally before carrying out the attack.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the community of Plymouth came together to support the families of the victims and to advocate for better mental health resources in the city. The case of Jake Davison serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when mental health issues are not properly addressed and when individuals are able to access firearms without adequate screening and oversight.

Gun Violence in the UK Nowadays 🩸

In the last year, mass shootings have become a disturbingly prevalent occurrence in the UK, leaving many wondering why this trend has escalated. While the UK has historically had strict gun control measures in place, mass shootings have still managed to make their way onto the nation’s headlines with alarming frequency.

There are several factors that may contribute to the rise of mass shootings in the UK. One possible reason is the glorification of violence in the media, which can desensitise individuals to the consequences of using guns in violent acts. The portrayal of guns as a symbol of power and dominance in popular culture can inadvertently influence vulnerable individuals to seek out firearms as a means of asserting control over others.

Another factor that may be contributing to the prevalence of mass shootings in the UK is the issue of mental health. Many of the perpetrators of mass shootings in the UK have been found to have a history of mental illness or emotional instability. Despite efforts to improve mental health services in the UK, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues that can prevent individuals from seeking help before it is too late.

In addition, social and economic factors may also play a role in the increase of mass shootings in the UK. Disenfranchised individuals who feel marginalised by society may turn to violence as a means of expressing their frustrations and gaining attention. Economic disparities and lack of access to education and opportunities can also contribute to feelings of hopelessness and desperation that may drive individuals to commit violent acts.

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing the rise of mass shootings in the UK, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary. Stricter gun control measures, increased funding for mental health services, and efforts to address social and economic inequalities are all important steps that can be taken to help prevent future tragedies.

Final Thoughts

As it can be seen, what first seemed to be a sensationalist headline, became secondary news due to its prevalence and frequency. Is this now happening in the United Kingdom? Even more worrying is the fact that these types of incidents are becoming prevalent in every continent. Is there a forensic mental health pandemic? When will forensic mental health be taken seriously enough to get the World Health Organisation (WHO) involved in the mitigation of this epidemiology?

Ultimately, it is crucial for the UK government and society as a whole to come together to address the root causes of mass shootings and work towards creating a safer and more secure nation for all its citizens. Only by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to violence can we hope to prevent future mass shootings in the UK.