Virginia Tech Shooting Research Paper
In April 2007, a mass shooting at Virginia Tech occurred. At the time, it was considered the deadliest school shooting in American history. The shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, opened fire into classrooms that morning, killing 32 before taking his own life (Virginia Tech Review Panel, 2007). Sadly, this tragedy is just one incident in a string of many mass shootings in the United States. That is why taking steps to prevent these kinds of shootings is of utmost importance.
Many have speculated on some of the causes of this shooting and others like it. Two factors that are always investigated in these situations are mental illness and gun control. It isn’t too hard to believe that an individual who fails to receive adequate mental health treatment and
also has access to a firearm is capable of this level of destruction. Still, there are other factors that must be examined. One of the less obvious yet equally important issues is the presence of a societal support system. Many mass shooters do not have a sense of belonging and struggle to maintain positive relationships they can lean on in times of stress.
Many have speculated on some of the causes of this shooting and others like it. Two factors that are always investigated in these situations are mental illness and gun control. It isn’t too hard to believe that an individual who fails to receive adequate mental health treatment and
also has access to a firearm is capable of this level of destruction. Still, there are other factors that must be examined. One of the less obvious yet equally important issues is the presence of a societal support system. Many mass shooters do not have a sense of belonging and struggle to maintain positive relationships they can lean on in times of stress.