Recently the EA Sports Madden NFL 19 tournament took place in Jacksonville, Florida. Around 130 gamers attended, participating in video game competitions throughout the duration of the event.
The upbeat and competitive nature of the tournament took a violent turn when 24-year-old David Katz opened fire on participants on Sunday, August 26. Katz, a competing gamer, injured 10 people and fatally shot two others before killing himself.
Victims Elijah Clayton of Woodland Hills, California, 22, and Taylor Robertson of Giles, West Virginia, 28, were known by their peers as loving and family-oriented. Clayton was using the money he received from gaming tournaments to pay for his college education while Robertson was working to support his family.
The company quickly turned to Twitter to speak on the issue: “This is a horrible situation, and our deepest sympathies go out to all involved.” After calling it a “senseless act of violence,” other politicians and social media influencers chimed in with their opinions.
“We have got to change. We’ve got to really stop and say to ourselves: there’s something wrong,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott.
President Donald Trump agreed saying, “That was a terrible thing indeed. How it happens, nobody really knows.”
Although I can appreciate the President shedding light on the situation, we do know how this happens and it’s ignorant to act like you don’t know especially when an entire nation is listening to what you have to say. It happens because of our easy access to firearms.
In this country, it takes up to 30 days to be approved for a concealed gun permit. Once that is completed, it takes about an hour to go to the store, fill out the necessary forms and have the employees call to do the FBI background check.
Katz purchased two handguns in the Baltimore area prior to the tragedy which he would soon use to attack his competitors. Afterwards, CNN gained access to Katz’s parent’s divorce records and they mentioned his previous treatment for his psychological and emotional issues including a medication that’s used to treat schizophrenia.
Maybe I’m just a kid who doesn’t know anything, but if someone who is medically unstable can purchase two handguns with hardly any effort or involved process, there’s an issue with our gun-purchasing system.
I do not agree with the idea of destroying the Second Amendment because I believe that right is legitimate; however, with the amount of gun violence that has continued to increase over the past few years, the purchasing process must be updated.
Although the call to change is there, the vicious cycle continues: an act of gun violence occurs, citizens revolt and argue over the Second Amendment and then they let it go and move on with their days. So now, more than ever, is the time for change.
EA Sports is discussing upgrading future security measures at events, but we can’t keep relying on protocols and safety tactics to work towards a safer future.
Change the requirements for the background check or extend the length of time for the reviewing process. Do something. But whatever you do, stop acting like there isn’t a reason behind these recent tragedies; acknowledge the problem, discuss the possible solutions and work towards a positive change. The time for excuses has never been less relevant. Do it for not only yourself, but for the future of America.