Yes, most guns MAY be imported from Europe, but who actually voluntarily buys them? USA

Simone, Philadelphia, USA

It is interesting how Europeons critisize the USA for "our love of guns" From where do you think that most of the guns are imported? Of course, EUROPE

Robert E Craciun, Walnut Creek,Ca., USA

'NOW I'LL BE FAMOUS'.
If there is one thing he has succeeded in doing, it's just that. Look at the amount of media coverage generated. He will probably feel it was worth it to be remembered and not just forgotten about.

All we're waiting for now is the next deluded individual to step up to the plate for his fifteen minutes of fame.

Tony, London,

People, wake up. "Now I will be famous". Such articles/coverage make him famous. Fuelling the next nut job. Cease, desist, stop reporting the idiots fantasies!

Iain Dobson, edinburgh, uk

Before we Europeans get too smug about our supposedly more civilized disarmed societies, perhaps we should remember how many people European governments murdered over the the course of the 20th Century. Murders that would have been impossible (or at least much, much harder and costly) to carry out, had the victims been as well-armed as the Americans are.

Andrew, Taunton, UK

Every time one of these events happens - and let's face it they are now simply a part of life in the USA - we have these same low-level point-scoring discussions, to no great effect. (Odd tho' that so many Americans are posting on UK newspaper sites - anyone got an explanation for that ?).

The fact is, more than in almost any other country in the world, Americans love guns. They could no more easily accept a ban than the French could give up cheese or the Germans, beer.

Until, and unless, Americans accept that possession of a firearm is not something to be proud of, these massacres will continue. And, as some of the more bitter US correspondents have noted, those of us that live elsewhere "don't have to go to the US". Amen to that.

T Hunter, London, UK

I think many people around the world don't really understand why Americans have guns. Let me explain. We don't have guns so that we can shoot each other. We have guns to protect ourselves from our own government and from any other government that may want to set up a dictatorship. We have guns because during the civil war the government came in and confiscated people's property, including livestock, land, clothes, and any other thing they felt was needed for the military. We have the legal right to own guns so that we can protect ourselves from such an experience again.

I must say to the people from the UK who claim that there are no guns in the UK, well I have lived in the UK and there is a big problem with guns in the UK and Europe as well. The UK is not the safe place that you would have the rest of the world believe.

There are many YOBS or CHAVs that don't need guns, they will just walk up behind you and literally stab you in the back.

J. Burnett, Dallas, Texas

I've been to the US a few times, and clearly remember speaking to a very nice security guard in a bar in Las Vegas, who told me she had only had to draw her weapon twice and never fire it. It seemed like a badge of honour for her, that she avoided shooting someone, but the gun was absolutely necessary. I think this is probably how the majority of americans feel, that to hold a weapon is needed but to use it is probably the last thing they'd want to do.
If I had to make the choice I would do the same thing, and own a gun. I have had some training with guns in the Air Force Cadets, but I would regularly keep up that training, I don't want to be shooting myself in the foot!

Sorry for your losses, Omaha.

Justin, Nr. Lincoln, UK

I agree that it is indeed a social problem, which is itself based in an internal problem (a deeply spiritual one if you ask me) in those committing these atrocities. However, that said, the statistics that I've seen that show the UK's rate of gun-related homicides as significantly lower than those of the US, coupled with the difference in gun-law severity leads me to agree that we should have stronger gun laws here in America.

It was definitely appalling to see the Republicans letting gun ownership be heralded as some kind of a virtue. Quite silly. Guns don't protect or harm on their own, so I don't see a problem with a responsible individual having one. However, those who say there should be no restrictions on guns are worse than naive, and should take a look at these stats and put the value of life over gun-rights obsession. Maybe having guns back when Redcoats came knocking was reasonable (sorry guys) but in our very troubled society, it seems to cause more harm than good.

Sara , Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

I think that before making comments about how all guns should be banned, it would be useful for them to do some research into the figures that relate to gun control and violent crime.

Violent crime has actually decreased in the US over the last decade, every year, which coincides with the rise in members of the public carrying licensed concealed firearms. There are many cases of these people even coming to the aid of police officers who have been overwhelmed by violent criminals.

We cannot blame an object for these killings. Once one has decided to kill a large number of people one would not be stopped by gun laws. He could just as easily have run down people on a busy street in his car.

As for the UK, we have had this happen here too, despite what some other comments suggest? Remember Dunblane or Hungerford? We now have double the rate of gun crime and violent crime after our gun controls were introduced.

We don't need more gun controls, we need more respect for each other.

Tim, London,

Izhar Khan - because unlike in Islamist terrorist attacks there was no hatred of a particular way of life, nor a desire to propogate their own culture above the indigenous one. Where does faith or politics enter this shooting? It shared bloodshed and confused young men and nothing more.

Alicia, Bolton,

To Nicolleta, Not, UK:
You say that it is "ridiculous" that Americans consider owning guns a freedom. It is our right -- as stated in our BILL OF RIGHTS. Perhaps you should take a look at The English Bill of Rights, 1698. Protestants were given the right to bear arms in their own defense. The English Bill of Rights is one of the documents English Constitutional Law is built on.

The gun issue in the United States is more complex than anyone here has addressed. The consequences of restricting our right to bears arms is far-reaching. It is an issue of Constitutional law. Historically, Amendments to our constitution give us rights; not take them away. If we begin taking away constitutional rights, we have set a precedent that could lead us into very dangerous waters.

Tracy, USA,

Come on people! The solution is so damn simple, it's almost painful that it hasn't been done already: A COMPLETE reversal of the 2nd Amendment. At the very least, gun laws need to be severly tightened. That is the only way to keep lunatics like this 19-year old from committing masacres just because they're having girl problems. I can't wait until the Democrats (or Rudy-the liberal) take full control of government.

Haile Mohawe, Cleveland, USA/ OHIO

I find it interesting that such shootings almost always happen in places where guns are not allowed. Schools, malls etc, basically where the cowards know that they are unlikely to be shot back at. Some gun-ban advocate should explain this to everyone, especially the victims families.

Rosa, Los Angeles, NM

I'm an American teenager and have travelled extensively around Europe, receiving lots of anti-American sentiment along the way. However, I feel as if this situation, as well as recent others like the Virginia Tech massacre (I live nearby the school and plan on attending next year) cannot be understood without having a full grasp on American History AND Government. It's important to be aware that the context the Constitution was written in was that of a fledgling country working to protect itself; therefore, citizens needed guns because the country didn't have an organized military like that of Great Britain. The freedom to carry guns allowed for militias and minute men to rapidly band together to protect the country. Of course, we don't need militas anymore so guns aren't a necessity. People feel it is a right to carry guns, when it fact that "right" was a privilege given in hopes citizens would protect, not ruin the country.

Julia, Richmond, Virginia, USA

Furthermore, I think it's interesting to note that although Great Britain has "some of the tightest firearm laws in the world," it doesn't stop people from killing. They simply find other ways to do it. To put it into context, while in Ireland, I watched a newscast reporting a man had had his head hacked off by another in England. The lack of gun crime was accounted for by more "violent" crime by other means. Whether its with guns or some other weapon, people will kill people, it's reality and needs to be accepted. Its how these people are identified before they kill that matters and needs to be addressed. On another note, the United States is not a "failed social experiment" and whoever would make such a claim is not only ignorant but also completely out of touch with the real world.

Julia, Richmond, Virginia, USA

America is so messed up. Gun frenzies like this are becoming a regular event there and yet still people see nothing wrong with easy access to guns. Yes, other countries have had horrific incidents like this but in general then clamped down hard on gun ownership and have stopped them becoming repeat events.

And yes I have travelled extensively in the beautiful USA and it was so sad to be asked by fellow travellers what weapon I was carrying for protection. You call that mindset freedom? Sounds like fear to me. I love living in coutries where no one feels the need to carry.

Either way, please can the media stop printing the names of these people. Stop them doing this just to get famous.

Steve, London, UK

Obviously a gun does not kill anyone. Equally an nuclear bomb does not but having one makes it easier - according to Bush Adminstration.

Tim, HK,

To reply to two Americans below

Don't complain that you find us criticising your policies and opinions offensive. Many people here find your gun laws offensive. It is one of the privileges of living in a democratic country that has freedom of speech that we can criticise others beliefs and opinions. Its when we insult the race or religion we become offensive.

To Jeff from Houston

Adopting such a childish attitude is pathetic. No-one is telling you what to do in your country. People are simply discussing or expressing their disagreement with the fact that a 19 year old boy has been able to get a gun and ammunition, and felt the need to kill 8 innocent people and then himself. We have to be honest here and say that this happens a hell of a lot more often in America than it does here for example.

Tom B, Leeds, UK

Charlie Tomson / Singapore makes the statemant " the wild west & the need to bear arms was a long time ago".
One can make a few logical arguments against gun ownership. However, in many parts of the USA [ this part of the country included ] ,there are ligitimate reasons for gun ownership.

Heres one; the sight of a mature mountian lion in my sisters backyard , quietly stalking the farm animals [ luckily the children were away ]. My brother-in-law took a shot -the lion ran off. However, fresh tracks show the mountain lion is back.

Another ? ; my wife gathering the grade school children from the play yard due to a sighting of another mountain lion 50 yards away in a creek bed.
[ the farm is 9 miles from the Omaha mall shooting, the school 1 1/2 miles ]

One more ?; 8 coyotes trying to bait the family dog out of the barn[ now there are 7 ].

So Charlie, while your greatest physical threat may be mom's lap dog humping your leg, it's different here,Thank God .

Dennis, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

America Is Not Free to live in fear of your neighbours that are allowed to possess guns is not freedom. Psychopaths, criminals, the mentally-ill are not even restricted from possessing these weapons it is completely idiotic, these people are the most likely to use these weapons without guilt. The majority of normal good people even if they are given the freedom to bear arms would find it difficult to fire and use these weapons. I feel relaxed and calmer that less people carry guns in Britain especially for children. In America it is the disturbed that are free to cause more carnage than would be possible in western Europe.
Capitalism has created a very uneven distribution of wealth in America. So it unlikely that it would be like Norway, if they did introduce gun control, which has a benefit net for the poor. It may increase crime it is a very different society from Europe.
Children, Mums, Dads grandparents screaming, terrified is not freedom. Little girls being shot is not freedom

A. Fatima, Aberdeen, UK

Jeff, I do have to echo Alistairs point here. You do seem to have mighty strong opinions about the views of a country to whom you profess apathy. Possibly the most hypocritical comment posted on this fine website.

I am off to the Houston Chronicle to write a strongly worded rhetoric about how I am not interested in Texas or her people.

Simon Walker, Sydney, Australia

Unforunately for your argument the weapon did happen to be a gun!
Coming from a british perspective ive watched 2 serious tragedies happen in your country this year-Virgiana Tech and this one.
Im sorry to say it and by all means disagree but these are both cases of young people getting guns and killing innocent people.
9/11 is very different to this attack-religously motivated and with what we can all assume to be years of planning.
Im 17and the fact that in your country you can just go to a store buy a gun and do whatever the hell you want with it baffles me.
Call me a victim of one too many micheal moore documentaries but your gun laws are absoloutely proposterous,and this isnt me insulting your society-this is me seeing whats happened and forming the blindingly obvious conclusion.
This incident wont change any gun laws in government but hopefully ammend a few glorified opinions of guns.

James Henderson, Bath,Somerset, UK

I don't think the 2nd amendment will change anytime soon. So I guess we will always have the potential for this sort of tragedy.

but having enshrined in the constitution the right to bear arms does not make these sorts of actions peculiar to America, it has happened in different parts of the world (UK, Oz, Finland) so I don't think people should judge when we are all perhaps as guilty.

The isolation and alienation in the way in which we live in modern society needs to be addressed firstly - these are the root causes. My thoughts are with the families of the victims.

simon, sydney, oz

I find it strange that people are making this into a gun control issue. This was murder and it just so happens that the weapon used by the homicidal manic was a gun.
What people are missing is this: If someone wants to commit murder; whether it be 1 person or 1000, they will find a way to do it. Look at 911 where planes were used as the weapons. But I guess that was considered a “terrorist attack”. Murder is murder regardless of the type of wrapping people try to put on it.

I also find some of these comments offending as well. Please do not criticize Americans for our beliefs and policies as I am not on here to criticize yours. Our society is not perfect nor is anyone else’s…….

Tanga Moody, Greer, SC, USA

Jeff, if you don't care about our opinions why are you reading a British newspaper on line?

Alastair, East Grinstead, UK

It is easy to argue for and against gun control. We all like to believe we are civilized and are adequate functional members of society. Sure there has been some progress however, why do we need over 10 million new guns manufactured every year? I think many adult members of society have kids like one buys ornaments to decorate their lives and collectively we fail to raise good children in wholesome environments. Gone are the days when a child received maybe one present for their B-day or at Xmas. We are seemingly overwhelmed by the choices one has to make in life and so simply go along pretending we know what to do, have rights and are responsible simply for being alive.

The average person does not need/should not need a gun. The 2nd Amendment's call for guns was nice and necessary in times past and so let's not romantize it as an entitlement. Easy access to guns regardless of regulation tighter or loose will always be ineffective when guns are manufactured and sold just like gum.

KOJINATOR, Provo, USA

The gun IS the cultural problem; it's a killing device. Pipebombs, nail guns etc. are impractical and do not evoke feelings of murder - how can a gun inspire anything else? (except in, perhaps, a sprinter)

Euan McArthur, ulverston, united kingdom

So why isnt this act called an act of terror. Were the poor americans in the mall not terrified. I bet if this man had been a muslim, there would be wall to wall coverage and cries of alqaida involvement. Should we call this american phenomenon "christian suicide shootings".

Izhar Khan, aberdeen,

Let the Yanks kill each other if they want to - as so many have mentioned here it's their country and they can do what they will with it. It's when they start taking their guns to other countries and forcing their way of life on others that i find it offensive.
I wonder if someone with a .38 in their back pocket really feels safer or does it increase their paranoia? Despite all of the assertions that if more people were armed these psycopaths could be stopped there never seems to be a 'proud Texan' around when you need one - or maybe all that hot air disappates in the panic of gunfire.

Jim , Bristol, UK

Its quite astonishing how our cousins across the sea, rather than being concerned about the fact that fellow Americans are gunned down by a teenage lunatic, again, become extremely agressive when its mentioned that they have a serious problem.

When will they become mature enough to realise that 1776 was a long time ago and they ought to get rid of the chip and take steps to prevent any further loss of American lives. Most of them are concerned about infiltration into their country by terrorists, they fail to realise that the terrorists live among them, red blooded Americans, also with chips on their shoulders.

Killing innocent people because they want to be famous. Incredible !

Phil de Buquet, Newport, England

The notion that video games promotes or endorses violence is risible and a knee jerk reaction at best. Before video games became popular violent action films were to blame for violence and before that it was rock music.
Instead should we not look more closely at the background of the individual responsible? No close family ties,recently splitting up from his partner and made unemployed are these not more serious social reasons that need to be addressed rather than aiming bile at an already heavily regulated industry?
As an aside the notion that gun control cannot work simply because people will always attempt to acquire them illegally. Surely then narcotics should be legalized as they are already illegal yet they may be obtained.

Liam, Derry, Northern Ireland

USA is like a jungle. It's ridiculous that the right to own a gun is considered as "freedom". Yes, in a jungle, there is freedom of course..stronger animals kill weaker animals to survive. In the USA people who have guns are considered stronger I guess..and free of course! that's so pathetic. wake up people!
I believe in freedom, but not in a "jungle" with "animals" killing each other.

Nicoletta, Not, UK

I'm pretty sure that almost zero Americans care whatsoever what the rest of the world thinks of our gun laws. Clearly we don't see eye to eye on these things. If you think its dangerous over here because of guns then simply stay away. The rest of the world gets bent out of shape when the US tells you what to do in your countries - it works both ways.

For all you do-gooder ban-the-guns-Brits, last time I checked, we stopped caring about your opinion in '76. Its also largely because of you folks that the 2nd Amendment exists.

Jeff, Houston, TX

So we ban the gun but the cultural defect that creates people like this killer remains. So they replace guns with pipe bombs. Or nail-guns. Or they firebomb. Or knife their victims.

The cultural problems that creates these kinds of misfits needs to be addressed first. Europe is facing these problems as well.The hatred your misfit youths have is just the same as this kid.

Schools become surrogate families for these kids who come dysfunctional families and when school is a place where they receive hatred/stress/taunting then what do these kids do? They blow up.

Back in the 80s when I was in school we went on field trips together and one that stands out in my mind was a outdoor trip where we did team building tasks. We got to know each other much better. There was more community back then than now.

Make guns illegal and I lose mine, but anyone committing a crime will not care about the law and a black market will pick up where the legal retail trade leaves of

JoeAverage, Cookeville, USA / Tennessee

Did I read that correctly? Reg Agulha Jr., from Sao Paulo, Brazil lecturing Americans on their gun problem? Isn't this the same Brazil that had 40,000 gun homicides in 2003, almost four times the figure in America? The same Brazil that's considered a worldwide joke for failing to stem firearm violence? Yes, I thought it was.

Sean, New York, NY

I like the suggestion/inference from some of the american comments on this page that their government promotes a kind of freedom by allowing gun ownership across the board.

Probably in the same way that their government introduced terrorism legislation allowing wire taps and so on - all in the name of liberty of course.

And perhaps someone could clarify; one joker suggested that the Rwandan situation could've been averted if everyone had their own gun. Really? Would it really?

Anyway, i'm going home to sit in my basement, play lemmings on my playstation and tomorrow go walk off a cliff.

Incredible.

Robin , London,

Sorry folks, i didn't know about Dunblane (quite embarrassing). However, i still think the tighter gun laws which were implemented because of Dunblane has helped. Shootings sprees are very rare in UK.

Mohammed, London, UK

I lived in the US for more than ten years (university included) and found American young people (up to age 35) socially immature compared to people from other countries. They were allowed to grow up in their own world, not encouraged to socialize with/aspire to become adults. As a result a sizable number of them appeared to bond more with fictional media characters more than with real people. Extreme individualism/isolation from larger social groups was common and resulted in awkward individualstic behavior. A recent example is "Foxy Knoxy". She was unable to socialize normally with her peers but said hello to "one guy" at the reception where they were all supposed to get to know each other. Just like a shy 8 year-old. She lived in her own world. Her loving family had no idea. It's about time kids get brought up to be adults. They used to be. Not so nowdays - perhaps adults are too busy and simply leave kids up to their own devices.

RT, London, UK

Yes, I think there are too many guns in the US, but that genie is out of the bottle, and it's not going back in. Therefore the "gun control" discussion is rather beside the point. The real issue seems to be there there are a large number of young men and boys in this country that seem to feel so alienated and furious towards society that the only relief they can imagine is a savage burst of random killing, followed by suicide. This happens too often for the "lone nutcase" theory. A common thread seems to be a deep sense of rejection and humiliation. There are simply a lot of these kids out there that are lethally damaged to the point of homicidal, suicidal mania. The causes of which, and solutions to, are certainly beyond me, on both an individual and social level...but I hope we can accept the fact that this is a fact of life in our culture, and try to address it and find and help these people before it's too late for their potential future victims.

Alex, Los Angeles, CA

Please remove the photo of the gunman. You are doing exactly as he wished. This was a senseless and horrific tragedy. I feel for each of the victims families.

Tristan, St. Louis, MO , USA

I too feel very badly about this horrendous incident. But as an American, I am offended by some of the posting. The postings come from many countries, and some of these countries I respect including their traditions (some of which I do not agree with).

But there are some facts that I feel are being ignored or trivialized. Since my country became independent, she has been attacked but never occupied for an extended period of time. I started to offer a history lesson however I will let history stand on its own merits.

As I stated there are country’s whose traditions I do not understand, but there are those traditions of other country I will respect. One of these is the King and Queen tradition of England. The Kings and Queens of England over history have been both good, bad as well as under clouds of suspicion. Yet it is a time honored tradition, AS IT SHOULD BE, and I will respect that tradition.

I see many posting concerning gun control. I find this interesting since statistics indicate that there is an increase in crime where gun control is the strictest. In my own country, the areas where gun control is strictest, crime has increased not decreased. In countries that have the strictest gun control, this also appears to be the case.

I have also read postings that stated that the police should be the only ones having guns, that they should be the ones to handle the situation. I agree that the police should handle the situation and if one had been present they might have been able to stop the deranged individual. But police cannot be every where, nor do I want to live with a policeman escorting me every where and standing guard at my home 24 hours a day.

We often see reports of violence similar to this but we do not see world wide coverage of use of guns by civilian who do these illegal acts, but we do not see world wide coverage of instances in which an armed civilian prevents criminal activities. An instance in Texas where a licenced civilian saved a woman’s life when he saw her being run over by a motor vehicle and saw it turn around to run over her again, he fired several rounds into the vehicle and saved the woman’s life. The driver was a deranged former boy friend, there were not any police in the area. There is te case of the grandmother who a=was home alone with her two grandchildren when two individuals kicked in her back door, but was greeted by grandmother with her gun. It depends on the user to determine if guns are used for good or evil. A case which occurred in England, I do not understand. An English farmer had his home broke into and robbed three times. The last time, he shot two criminals with his shotgun, killing one and wounded the other. He was sent to prison for murder and to add insult he was sued by the wounded criminal, the bases for the legal action was that because he had been shot, he was so traumatized he could no longer make a living ain his profession, his profession was as a professional criminal. This is a bad thing? I would like to one day to visit England, but I will not live there because of their gun control policies.

Yes I am from Texas (a Texan) and proud that President Bush is also a Texan. Yes, I have been called a cowboy, but there is large scale misuse of this term. A cowboy is one who stands up for what is right and keeps on coming when he is in the right regardless of how difficult or unpleasant it is.

Wayne Fortune, Texas, U.S.A., Texas, U.S.A.

I posted earlier and read futher comments. I will restate this a tradegy and I feel for the families, I hate guns and wish they were banned. But I also would like to point out that most of the people commenting on the evils of American society more than likely haven't spent a single moment in this country. So you have only opinions fed to you by YOUR media. American media is in serious need of an overhaul, I agree, but you have not a single clue what it is to have daily freedom. We have a deomocratic society, not a socialist society. Majority rules and if you don't like it CHANGE it in the next election. (boo Bush) Stand up for your rights, use your voice!

All I ask is that you spend some time in this country and you will realize that it not the Wild Wild West that you envision it to be. In a country of 325 million people, there are going to be severly unstable people that do horrible things with our without a guns. (But please feel free to USE or blame us when necessary.)

Tristan, St. Louis, MO , USA

this is not video games fault, or even that much of firearms fault....its society fault, because we live in a world where everything that is different should be casted away...and if you noticed a lot of this massacres are protagonized by teenagers...who suffers from the cruelty of (specialy)america's society...where the teens are futil and materialistics, and if you're not "cool" you're bullied untill something like this happens...and then everybody portraits the killer as a monster....a monster created by them! created by everyone of us. So instead of focusing on changing the firearms law, they should focus as well on trying to solve the bullying problem which affects teens all over the world.......

Rosana, Manchester, UK

I think he is notorious now, not famous. It is somewhat different

NewcastleUT, Newcastle, UK

For some reason a legitimate argument in the U.S. is that if there were MORE guns this type of thing wouldn't happen.

Jared, Omaha, Nebraska

Most able bodied men in Switzerland do military service for a few weeks each year - and keep a very dangerous modern military rifle at home. So it can't be the fault of the weapons can it?
Rather it seems that many Americans suffer from a kind of 'social impotence' which can only be relieved by indulging in psychopathic behaviour; or collectively relieved by invading another country - and then losing the fight but pretending you've won - which if course merely aggravates the impotence.
Your media will endlessly 'angst' over this incident claiming to be merely 'reporting' but of course tacitly endorsing this sort of behaviour.
And you will do nothing about it because you also suffer from politcal impotence; or worse, a bovine trust in the politician that looks best in TV make-up; or who provides the best 'campagne adverts' and media circus.
One thing is certain - this will happen again (and again etc ...)

Bob Hardy, Liverpool , England

Mohammed,

So sorry, but such horrible events have taken place in the UK. The last time many young children paid with their lives in Dunblane (Scotland). As a result, the UK tightened up its firearms laws - but seeing how many people have died as a result of shootings here this year so far, who is to say that a gun won't fall into the hands of someone who thinks nothing of targetting many others in a shopping centre or other public place.

Su, Huntingdon, UK

Mohammed, UK has had this problem, in Dunblane and Hungerford, which is WHY you can't ( legally) buy guns in UK without a valid reason.
The basic problem is that adults buy the guns, get complacent about their care, and disturbed kids pick them up and use them to get their 15 minutes of fame.
The NRA assertion the guns don't kill people, people kill people with guns is true, BUT , if the guns were properly kept , not as many irresponsible people would not have access to them

Chris , Ennis, Irelend

In response to the comments by Mary Catherine; you will never stamp out murder totally, but the general public having guns is going to cause far more murders than would otherwise happen.

It's just unfortunate that Americans can't see beyond this blatantly obvious point. Americans claim it's their "god-given right" to own a gun, and "forms part of the constitution" or whatever it is. Back in colonial days i'm sure protecting your family from outlaws was necessary, but in the year 2007, they simply increase the body-count and help the psychos go on killing sprees, and destroying lives and families forever.

Look at the bare facts that most of the civilised world that do not allow guns for the public, don't have these sorts of problems.

My message to Americans: get off your gung-ho high-horse, open your eyes, and join the rest of the real world.

Richard, Berkshire, England

Scary how some people, especially Europeans, seem to think that more restrictions on individual liberty and increased government intervention is the solution to everything. Benjamin Franklin warned against exchanging liberty for security. Personally, I would rather remain free than live in a sterilized, "perfect society".

"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it." - Thomas Jefferson

Chang, Los Angeles, California

You can gurantee that with the current state of U.S gun laws this will not be the last incident of this kind. Its very simple really remove the guns are the chances of a massacre caused by guns are going to be reduced.

Sleepy, Bristol, U.K

"This kind of thing has never happened in the UK. The US should learn from us and ban all firearms."

Umm ,Dunblane? Where the person illegally had fire arms .

"To carry a weapon, be it a gun or otherwise, out of fear of other people using a weapon is just asking for trouble. If everyone was carrying a gun during these massacres the outcome would have been much worse."


Really? Do you mean such as the Trolley square incident where someone carrying a firearm halted the gunman? Maybe you could tell the families of the 800,000 dead rwandans that it's a good thing they were not allowed guns for defense because it would have been "worse".

Question . How can "gun crime" be on the rise in the UK with the strictest gun laws in europe?
UK can keep their gun laws for their subjects . I prefer to be a free CITIZEN here in the US . I prefer to not follow the failed social experiment that makes its people defenseless . Gun bans disarm only those that need them most .

Paul Shipper, Monmouth, Miane,USA

Whilst its fair to say that checks should be in place to prevent maladjusted people owning firearms, a simple ban is not necessarily the answer. I think Girish makes an interesting point.

Its worth noting that the UK had few shootings even before gun restrictions. Two acts a generation apart by psychos (who in both cases the police had been already been warned about) led to semi-auto rifles then handguns being banned against the advice of the governments own expert research group. Did it reduce deaths? Statistically, no - gun crime rose steadily since. Did it prevent another massacre? Nope, homemade bombs killed more since. Did it prevent a shooting spree by legally held firearms? Erm, maybe - we don't know. What we do know is that the long standing English tradition of depending on a self-defending populace (from the Yeomen at Agincour to the Home Defence prepared to be the last stand during WWII) has been replaced by reliance on government that expands its power over us

Bradley, Blackpool,

This kid already had a felony drug conviction, which means he illegally possessed the weapon anyway. A gun ban, at this point, would leave all guns in the hands of criminals. The guns are around whether we like it or not. But taking them out of the hands of law-abiding citizens while the other illegal guns still abound isn't going to do any good.

That, and you would literally have an armed revolt if there was a national gun ban. No exaggeration. It would happen.

Jonathan, Washington, D.C., USA

This is just sad, this isn't something that portrays how America is, we are a free country because of the fact that we are able to own guns. If you were to take that away that would be limiting our freedoms. I believe that this sudden increase of violent shootings is due to the fact that my generation has been numbed to the true pain that a gun can cause. People sit at home for hours playing videos games that makes it seems fun to go around and shoot people. They hide in their mothers basement until they are 20, or until they get kicked out, and waste their lives by killing people. These are the same games that the military used to prepare people for war. What makes those young men any mentally different than the ones sitting at home.

America is not what you try to portray it as, I've lived in England as well, but America is a wonderful place and honestly the strongest country around.

That man lived only blocks away from me, but I am completely sure that I am safe.

God Bless America

Jessica Hannan, Bellevue, Nebraska, USA

You just cannot punish every law abiding gun ower because of the actions of a few deranged persons.Everyone on here calling for a gun ban doesn't realize that this would never be enforcable in a nation such as the United States.The gun has been a part of their culture since the nation was founded.
I have been to the US many times,and fully understand that owning a firearm is just as American as baseball,hot dogs,
apple pie and Chevrolet.This is their country and you must respect their culture and way of life.

Doug, Saint John, Canada

It's not guns, though I dislike the NRA, I don't believe it is guns. Guns just amplify the response.

It's the fact that as a working class lad, he has nothing to live for.

If he fails, he'll never get sex, and he knows it.
If by some remote chance he's became a great success in spite of it all, some woman will eye his money, and he'll have it taken from him. US judges don't assign maintenance on what a man earns, it's on what they think he should be able to earn.

Why would any man take a franchise out in that?

The surprise is not that he's murdered 7 people and committed suicide, it's that it isn't happening all over middle America on a daily basis. It's only hope that keeps this happening, because the system isn't contributing at all.

Charles, London,

Demosthenes, you say that video games are to blame for this mass killing...why then does Japan have the most violent and shocking video games in the world, yet the lowest homicide rate of all western countries?

Because of the very strict gun control.

Nikki, London, UK

it is a shame. and it is always the same every year people are shot dead, every year bush is sorry for victims family but of course he has never changed his stupid gun law. seriously in the 21th century where is the need for US people to have a gun at home?!but why USpeople agree with this law?!it is nonsense, and the only reason is that many people feel safety with their nice little weapon . perhaps they feel they have a little part of superman in their blood and that they can save the world bearing their weapon?DEMOSTHENES in your comment above you make me laugh, you say if someone had carried a weapon people could have been saved. you are kitting, you want a civil war? you want that everyone shoot everyone and hundreds of victims?USA is a democracy, to protect people, something exists and it 's called POLICE, if people wants a gun they go to school police, they become police officer and that's it. please ban all these weapons

NICOVECO, POITIERS, FRANCE

Guns have to be banned to everyone and also cops as they take laws in thier hands b4 killing anyone

Mohammad Salman, Bangalore, India

This kind of thing has never happened in the UK. The US should learn from us and ban all firearms.

Mohammed, London, UK

Once again this sad shooting has actually nothing to do with the gun laws in the US or anywhere else - If you want to kill someone just in order to be famous or something else, you will find a way unfortunately. When will people realize that there is more to it than just making laws and enforcing them?Why it is so hard to get to the point, not symptoms?

The lost of common values around the globe/nations/communities/families and confused individuals in all this globalisation fuzz should be taken care off and treated.

In the end, I am sorry for the innocent victims and their families & friends.

Mikah, Tampere, Finland

To argue that everyone should have a gun is illogical and I'm afraid that comments such as those by Demosthenes, Oregon, sum up what is wrong with the American mind set. To carry a weapon, be it a gun or otherwise, out of fear of other people using a weapon is just asking for trouble. If everyone was carrying a gun during these massacres the outcome would have been much worse. People, would shoot whomever they thought might be involved, stray bullets would fly as a result of panic and stampeding crowds or maybe someone who is on the edge might just join in. In everyday life, a minor argument could turn into a murder. The US has a large population and poor gun control, there will always be those who have the will and the way to carry out such attacks regardless of violent imagery in games and movies. Could it not be that they see a massacre on the news and see the instant fame gained by such an act and want to be noticed in death in a way they felt they weren't noticed in life?

Mark, Hastings, England

"Ain´t that America, home of the free..." Sense the irony...

Is there any question left about Gun Control in the USA?
North Americans need guns to defend themselves from themselves, but where is that taking the country?
It was revolting to see the Republican Presidential Candidates defending Gun possession last week during the debate. The USA have really lost it, it´s all about blood. In all different shapes and forms, from wars, to massacres, to corporate buying out smaller companies. Bleed it up.

Reg Agulha Jr., São Paulo, Brazil

God Bless America!
Life, Liberty and the right, freedom and ability to murder innocent people if you have had a bad day!

Oi! The Spotters, St Albans, England

ban the gun

wang hong shuai , ji lin city , china

there is very few shootings here,although china is not rich enough.

wang hong shuai , ji lin city , china

Paul Diehl, Puerto Vallarto, Mexico said:

"When will they realise that taking these weapons out of circulation will save innocent lives?"

When will YOU realize Mexico has some of the toughest gun laws in the world, and has a HIGHER homicide-by-gun rate than the US?

I just read a story that 5 children were found dead in a home in Australia, and their mother is suspected of killing them. No mention of whether a gun was used, just that they died 'violently'. I'm sure this mass murder is fine, as long as no guns were used.

Mary Catherine, Elmhurst, USA/IL

Outlawing private ownership of guns would only keep them out of the hands of law-abiding citizens. Violent criminals and maniacs would still find ways of obtaining them. Accidental deaths from firearms would decrease, but we would still have mass shootings like this latest one.

Jonny, Marietta, GA, USA

I feel it's safer to live in China now, anyway, there is very few shootings here.

Shirley, Nanjing, China

How many more innocents must fall victim to these random rampages before America wakes up and realises that gun laws have to be changed? The wild west and the need to bear arms was a long, long time ago the gun lobby should be made to go the way of the dinosaurs. Progress necessitates change.

charlie thomson, singapore,

I would bet anything that that miserable little twerp had spent most of his formative years playing violent, first-person-shooter video games. I think that these violent computer games probably do enormous harm in desensitising malliable young minds to murder, and training them quite effectively in stalking and shooting victims with a hand-carried arsenal.

I am, however, somewhat conflicted about outlawing guns, at least given the current situation in the US today. There are an enormous number of guns in private hands and they could never be completely collected up and disposed of...meaning that if you really REALLY want a gun you will always be able to obtain one. In this case, perhaps if more 'law abiding folk' carried guns on their person, someone else in the store could have taken out the punk before he could kill so many innocent people. That, I think, is a purely practical point-of-view and probably not too popular with the Politically correct crowd.

Demosthenes, Cottage Grove, Oregon

I have live in America and around American's for some time and simply cannot understand their views about the right to bear arms. When will they realise that taking these weapons out of circulation will save innocent lives? There is no need to live in the wild west or pretend to do so any more.

Paul Diehl, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The issue is not one of guns; it is a social issue - lack of family values, loneliness and depression. The US has taken the concept of 'personal freedom' so far, that it has transformed into 'personal isolation'. It is heading in the direction of being a failed social experiment as much as Soviet Communism was.

Girish Menon, Ho Chi Minh City,