Gun violence has been a major topic across the country today. “Is there enough gun control?” “What can we do to prevent anymore shootings?” According to ABC news, there has been 21 school shootings from January 2013 to January 2014. The numbers of school shooting have shown an increase in the past year and that number still continues to increase. This leads to the question “Is your kid safer inside or outside of school?” In all 21 shootings the gunman has been a male shooter. 1 Elementary, 3 middle schools, 9 high schools, 7 colleges, and 1 k-12 school all across the country have been attacked by a gunman in the past year.

In New Mexico an alleged 12-year-old gunman shoots two students and leaves a teacher with minor injuries. New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas told reporters “We found evidence to believe it was thought out, and planned, prior.” According to ABC News the students of the New Mexico middle school were in the gym where they usually hang out before going to class. The 12-year-old gunman had gone into the gym around 8:00 a.m. and removed the .20-gauge shotgun from a band instrument case and began shooting.  

After the incident a girl identified as Kendal Sanders, 13, had to undergo surgery after suffering injuries to her right shoulder. Her condition has since been upgraded to stable. An 11-year-old boy is in critical condition after suffering more serious injuries to his face and neck.  The young victim underwent two surgeries during the day, according to Governor Susana Martinez. The family of the boy wished not to disclose his name.

            A New Mexico school teacher has been given credit with saving many lives when he persuaded the gunman into dropping the shotgun after he had wounded two students. Odiee Carranza, an eigth-grade student, told the Associated Press that a boy bumped into her as he rushed toward the gym and apologized to her. When the boy entered the gym, Odiee said, she saw him pull a gun out of a band instrument case and began shooting. She also added after he shot two students he shot up in the sky, then dropped the gun, as the teacher grabbed the young gunman.

Kassetas did not disclose a possible motive, but said investigators are “looking at social media outlets and the different forms of communication these kids use to talk to each other.” Search warrants have been issued for the suspect’s home, locker, and bag. There is no further information provided.

ABC news has compiled a list of 21 shootings from January 2013 to January 2014 school year. Their question is “Is your kid safer inside or outside of school?” In all 21 shooting the gunman has been a male shooter. 1 Elementary, 3 middle schools, 9 high schools, 7 colleges, and 1 k-12 school all across the country have been attacked by a gunman in the past year.