Silent Scribbles

I decided to start researching the mass shootings in the United States. I am interested to see the correlation between these shootings, mental health, medications, and our food.

A mass shooting is defined as an event in which “one or more individuals are actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area” according to the FBI. U.S. Statute Investigative Assistance for Violent Crimes Act of 2012 defines a “mass killing” as “3 or more killings in a single incident”. Neither of these definitions actually mention firearms. I find that fact interesting on its own. Especially when these stats are used to manipulate the American population.

So…. January 1, 2025:

Dallas, TX

• Suspect: Kevin Violente-Varela
• 1 dead, 3 injured
• Incident: Destinie Mendez (deceased), Kevin’s girlfriend of 10 years, was a property manager of an apartment complex. She was called to the complex due to complaints of 3 men playing loud music and drinking in the parking lot. She asked the men to leave and they refused. Kevin then opened fire in an attempt to scare them off the property. Destinie was shot in the head when she got in the way trying to calm him down. The men were injured.

New Orleans, LA

• Suspect: Shamsud-Din Jabbar
• 7 injured, 1 + Suspect killed
• Incident: Jabbar was an Army vet. He had been deployed to Afganistan. He had been divorced twice and was facing financial troubles. He was an Islam convert and inspired by ISIS. He drove his truck into a crowd injuring many and killing 1. He then opened fire into the crowd. Law enforcement killed him.

Kankakee, IL

• 2 dead, 5 injured
• Suspect Unknown
• Incident: New Years Eve party at a rental house. Police were called after gun shots were heard. Incident is currently under investigation. No one at the party is talking to law enforcement.

Queens, NY

• 10 injured
• Suspects Unknown
• Incident: Rival gang opened fire on a memorial for a gang member.

January 3, 2025

Washington D.C.

• Suspect: Deamonte Bridgetorth
• 4 + suspect injured
• Incident: Domestic violence situation that started as an altercation between the suspect and victim.

January 5, 2025

• Suspect: Peter Acuna
• 4 injured
• Incident: Suspect had previous assault charged. This particular incident began as an argument. Law Enforcement are still unsure of the circumstances.

January 8, 2025

• Suspect Unknown
• 4 dead
• Incident: Possible murder/suicide of 2 separated parents and their adult children.

As I have time, I will be researching on more of the mass shootings listed on the Gun Violence Archive.