California college shooting

[HairOfTheDog]

P.s. So far, haven't heard much ado about how he, as someone with with diagnosed mental illness, was able to acquire firearms - kinda surprised. Probably hear more about that soon enough.

You're surprised? Why? Nearly all spree killers in recent memory in the US and the world have been known to have mental health problems.

I'm surprised because we usually see a lot of media focus on how the killer (diagnosed mentally ill and/or juveniles especially) got a hold of firearms; that media focus typically begins very shortly after spree killing stories break, but that hasn't happened yet on this one (that I've seen). When all of the victims have been laid to rest, it probably will.

The fact they are mentally ill is not the issue the fact they are mentally ill and have access to firearms is. The vast majority of spree killings are committed by people with mental health problems using legally purchased firearms this is the problem.

Those diagnosed with mental illness are not legally able to purchase, own or possess guns in the US. That doesn't stop some from getting a hold of them anyway by falsifying background check data (the NICS database is incomplete and privacy laws make it difficult to acquire the information from mental health professionals), or getting a hold of them otherwise illegally. And, of course, many mentally ill people are not diagnosed or treated, so they wouldn't be denied a gun purchase in any case.

I think there are several problems contributing to spree killings and mass murders (whether they be carried out by guns, bombs, arson); not just one.