Mass shootings have become a genuine problem in the West with each passing day, as several incidents have occurred over the past year.
In the US alone, this year has seen at least 400+ mass shootings, according to the reports, including the most recent Cook’s Corner Bar incident.
A mass shooting took place at a popular bar in Southern California on Wednesday night, leaving three people dead and six others injured. Apparently, the perpetrator is a 59-year-old retired police officer named John Snowling, who was also found dead after the incident. But what led John Snowling to commit a mass shooting in a normal bar? Is there any particular reason?
The Reason Behind the Mass Shooting, Explained
According to the witness statements revealed by many media outlets, the suspect walked into Cook’s Corner Bar with two firearms in order to kill his soon-to-be ex-wife, Marie Snowling.
After he shot his wife, who fortunately was only hospitalized, he went straight for the person who was sharing the meal with her. As if that wasn’t enough, he randomly shot at others who were present at the bar, in the process killing three innocent people.
Before he could take any more lives, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department sent help, which resulted in the death of John Snowling.
The whole incident transpired in the span of minutes, and if it were not for the deputies responding in the nick of time, there would have been more victims because, according to the sheriff’s comments, the perpetrator was retrieving two more firearms from his car after attempting murder on his Marie Snowling.
From what the authorities have gathered from Snowling’s neighbors, their marital issues stemmed from Marie wanting to go out more and live her life while her husband wanted her to stay home.
That’s probably why she filed for a divorce, hoping to get away from him, but it was all for naught. The authorities are still investigating the main intent behind the mass shooting, so we only have limited details.
Officials’ Responses to the Mass Shooting
After the mass shooting incident, it was revealed that Snowling worked at Southern California’s Ventura Police Department from 1986 until he retired in 2014. Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler expressed his condolences in a statement. He said,
“Our hearts weigh heavy with the distressing incident at Cook’s Corner. Our deepest condolences are with the families of the victims, the survivors, and the Orange County deputies who swiftly responded to the scene. This incident deeply affects us all.”
In the wake of the incident, the Governor of California, Gavin Newson, sent out a statement highlighting the role of red flags and how civilians should respond if they spot one. In his words,
“There are early reports that this horror was related to a domestic dispute. Two-thirds of mass shooters in America have a history of domestic violence.”
“Victims and survivors in California should know they are never alone — we have tools and resources to support and protect you,” he continued. “Our state’s red flag laws allow victims, family members, coworkers, and others to work with local law enforcement and the courts to safely remove guns from those who may be a potential threat. We must continue to strengthen, defend, and use these laws. If you see red flags, say something — and in doing so, save lives.”
It is absolutely shocking that in just a span of two months, over 60 mass shootings have taken place in the US. At this rate, no one is safe, and the so-called freedom does little to nothing to protect themselves from the perpetrators.
What is your take on this unfortunate incident? Should the US ban the usage of guns? Let us know your opinions in the comment section below.
Source: ABC News
