“What about the right to life of these children? – Tributes to Nashville victims as gun control debate heats up | American News

The entrance to the Covenant Christian School became a focal point for a community’s grief.

Throughout the day, young and old, some in school uniform, gather to lay flowers and stuffed animals in front of the school sign. They cry, hug and wonder why this happened here in their affluent suburb of Nashville.

There is also anger about US gun laws.

The shooter, Audrey Hale, was able to legally purchase seven firearms from five local gun stores. Three of them, including two automatic rifles, were used in Monday’s shooting.

A popular refrain from the gun lobby is that the startling frequency of mass shootings in America is due to a mental health epidemic. This argument carries little weight with Vidya Bansal, whose 10-year-old son, Jai, attends a nearby school.

They came to pay tribute to the victims.

“A person who is mentally unstable or in poor mental health cannot do much with a stick, stone or knife,” says Vidya.

“A mentally unstable person with seven assault rifles can walk into a locked door, can get through security, can shoot at police trying to protect the community. That’s the problem.”

Vidya is a pediatrician and has treated children with gunshot wounds. As the shooting unfolded at Covenant School, she received a text message telling her that her son’s school, a few miles away, was closed.

“I’m angry,” she said, tears streaming down her face, “I’m angry that lawmakers aren’t taking this seriously. I’m angry that for this week you’ll see on social media, everything the world is outraged You will hear thoughts and prayers.

“But then you hear about gun rights and you hear about politics. But what about the right to life of these children? What about the right to life of the substitute teacher, of the school principal’s right to life?”

The police did not reveal the motive for the attack. They believe that this school was targeted by the killer, a former student, but that she fired indiscriminately, through windows and doors.

Learn more:
Nashville school shooting: Bodycam video shows attacker shot dead by police
Nashville school shooting: First images of victims of the attack, including a nine-year-old girl and her principal

The family of goalkeeper Mike Hill, father of seven and grandfather of 14, paid tribute to him. They said he enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family. They say they hope the thoughts of this community and the nation are with him.

Thoughts almost certainly are, as this town mourns together. But some would like to see a permanent change in US gun laws to end these remarkably depressing tragedies.