As the national debate surrounding gun control continues, so does the epidemic of shootings.
What can be done to keep weapons—whether legal or illegal—out of the hands those who would use them to harm others? Tell us in comments.
Three horrific incidents of gun violence in February alone claimed multiple lives throughout the state.
A alleged gunman whose father described him as a “ticking time bomb” opened fire on two Santa Cruz Police officers Feb. 26, killing both the detectives who had gone to Jeremy Goulet’s home to interview him on a misdemeanor sexual assault accusation.
Goulet killed Police Det. Sgt. Loran "Butch" Baker and Det. Elizabeth Butler using a .45-caliber gun that was registered to him, according to Santa Cruz County Sheriff Phil Wowak. He died during a shootout with police.
Goulet, 35, had a history of sex-related arrests, including a rape arrest in the state of Hawaii, Wowak said.
In Encinitas, CA, a man suspected of shooting two deputies Feb. 20 before apparently dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound was deemed to be suicidal during a psychiatric evaluation in December, according to San Diego Sheriff’s Captain Duncan Fraser.
Evan Kim Tian Kwik, 22, is accused of using a 12-gauge shotgun to shoot two deputies from an attic crawlspace , prompting a 10-hour standoff. Officials said Kwik's mother, Michelle Kwik, reported he was upset that she filed a restraining order against him.
Law enforcement officials have not yet said how Kwik came into possession of the shotgun.
And an international manhunt for suspected murderer Christopher Dorner was triggered when the disgraced former LAPD officer went on a rampage of revenge killings throughout Southern California starting in early February.
Dorner died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head, according to the autopsy report, after a shootout with police that resulted in the burning of the snowbound cabin in which he was holed up.
Dorner was armed with multiple powerful weapons, including an assault rifle.
A recent Gallup Poll shows a majority of Americans favor the nine key proposals made by President Barack Obama to address gun violence. Poll results show:
- 91 percent of Americans are most likely to be in favor of requiring background checks for all gun sales
- 82 percent want increased funding for mental health programs aimed at youth
- 79 percent want increased funding for programs to train law enforcement and schools in responding to active armed attacks
- And 75 percent want to increase criminal penalties for people who buy guns for others—so-called straw purchasers.
Is Elk Grove safe from this kind of gun violence? Do you support the Obama plan? What kind of gun control would make a difference? Tell us in comments.
