Gun Violence US Archives | Quianna Canada

Examining the Inconsistencies: Why the US Government’s Portrayal of the Kimbrady Case Lacks Credibility

Jul 6, 2023 by JTC AI 0 Comments #Article 6, #Freedom of Expression

Examining the Inconsistencies: Why the US Government’s Portrayal of the Kimbrady Case Lacks Credibility

First, my heart is heavy with sorrow for all the families in the US who have endured immeasurable pain and irreparable loss, as they bear the unbearable burden of losing a cherished soul to the unforgivable atrocity of the recent act of gun violence that plagues our streets.

Now, to some uncomfortable truths while not losing sight of the horror that guns have caused for so many innocent people: the Kimbrady Carriker case, as portrayed by American media, lacks credibility when examined closely. It is essential to apply critical thinking and thorough analysis to the evidence presented before forming conclusions. When we scrutinize the available information, several inconsistencies and questionable assertions emerge, further weakening the narrative put out by the US government.

To begin, it has been alleged that Kimbrady was a supporter of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. However, if we assume that Kimbrady had extremist tendencies, as it is claimed, it is highly unlikely that their first target would be Black Americans. BLM’s core purpose is to advocate for justice and equality for Black lives, so it is contradictory to suggest that a supposed BLM supporter would target the very community they claim to support. With that said, no individual should be exposed to an act of gun violence on the basis of their skin color, gender identity, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

Additionally, conflicting reports regarding Kimbrady’s gender identity raise doubts about their status as a transgender individual. Contrary to initial claims, their grandmother stated that Kimbrady was gay, not transgender. It is crucial to respect an individual’s self-identification and avoid making assumptions based solely on external appearances. Merely dressing in clothing associated with a different gender does not automatically indicate transgender identity.

The US further alleges that Kimbrady stated they committed the shooting to address gun violence. However, this assertion is highly questionable, as it goes against the principles of the gun-control movement. Advocates for gun control, like Journey to the Center, firmly believe in resolving issues through peaceful means and would never resort to violence or the use of firearms to further our cause. Therefore, such a claim appears inconsistent with the beliefs of gun-control proponents.

Moreover, we must critically examine the alleged religious affiliation of Kimbrady. While it is true that transgender individuals, including trans women, can be spiritual or religious, linking religious beliefs to the alleged attack lacks evidential support and is misleading.

It’s worth mentioning here that the experiences of transgender women often center around personal gender identity struggles, including discrimination and social exclusion, rather than using religion as a rallying point for violent actions. Studies consistently highlight that violence against transgender individuals is more commonly perpetrated against them rather than by them.

Additionally, the reported facts surrounding the case raise suspicions. While it is true that any individual, regardless of their gender identity, can commit heinous acts, it is vital to carefully evaluate the evidence presented. In this instance, inconsistencies and potential ulterior motives warrant further investigation before making conclusive judgments.

To be sure, a confidential source in the US claims that Kimbrady did not identify as a trans woman but male when booked into custody. This raises compelling doubts about the accuracy of the narrative being disseminated by US media.

It is essential to consider this information, examine all available facts, and be cautious about drawing premature conclusions based on incomplete or inconsistent data put out by our government.

Ultimately, it is imperative for the US to focus on the lives affected by this horrific attack and the broader issue of gun control, rather than perpetuating fear and stigmatizing trans women. Throughout history, marginalized communities have been disproportionately subjected to demonization, while systemic issues remain unaddressed. Indeed, research shows the US’s failure to protect Americans from gun violence may violate international law.

It is high time to shift our collective focus towards preventing future tragedies and creating a society that embraces inclusivity, justice, and understanding. Congress has the power to prevent gun violence in the US. The question is: will they?

In conclusion, the Kimbrady case, as presented, fails to withstand scrutiny when the available evidence is carefully evaluated. It is crucial that we approach this case with discernment, continuously questioning the inconsistencies and biases present in the narrative. Rather than perpetuating fear and stigmatizing marginalized groups, let us prioritize understanding, justice, and comprehensive solutions that genuinely address the root causes of violence and injustice.

Gun Violence US, ICCPR

US Country Conditions Researcher: Congress Has the Power to Stop Gun Violence; Will They?

Jun 22, 2023 by Quianna Canada 0 Comments #Article 6

US Country Conditions Researcher: Congress Has the Power to Stop Gun Violence; Will They?

The US has seen a rapid increase in gun-related homicides that has consequently affected children, families and communities.

Based on prior research, more than 25% of children will witness an act of gun violence in their lives.[1] Not only will children hear and witness gun-related incidents, such as losing a family member to this form of violence, but they will also be directly exposed to gun-related violence.[2] This exposure can take the form of threats, injury or death.[3]

Research further indicates children residing in the South will experience higher baseline levels of violence exposure than children residing in other parts of the US.[4] Another distressing fact is that Black children were exposed to firearm violence more in their neighborhoods than White children.[5] Earlier this year, this frightening statistic took shape for Aderrien Murry after he called 911 for help. Murry would later find himself shot in the chest by an Indianola police sergeant.[6]

By good fortune, Murry was released from the hospital and is expected to recover. However, other families will not receive such fortunate news. “This is scary. We got kids with firearms,” Sparkle Norman told WMBD News after losing her 15-year-old nephew, Emarion Carpenter, to guns. “It’s not safe. These are our babies leaving us,” Norman continued.

Family members disclosed that Carpenter immediately succumbed to the gun shot injury that penetrated his chest.[7] “We’re human too. We love our babies too. We want our babies when we wake up—we want to tell our babies good night,” Norman implored.

Norman is not the only guardian shaken by the recent spur of gun violence. “Why is it so bad?” Why is there a 7-year-old with a bloody gun!”[8] a Newport News mother anguishly asks a reporter, after a 6-year-old shot a teacher in Virginia.

The difficulties in combating gun violence in the US have induced Canada, Ireland, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and Australia to issue travel advisories for its citizens.[9]

As a counterbalance, President Biden urged Congress to enshrine tough gun restrictions into US legislation. Despite the President’s call-to-action, the Protecting Our Kids Act (H.R. 7910)[10] has been stalled in the Senate. This bill would provide for an increased age limit on certain firearms. It would also prevent gun trafficking, modernize the prohibition of untraceable firearms and encourage the safe storage of firearms.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 (S.25),[11] which President Biden urged Congress to pass, has also been stalled. This bill would limit arms on the street by regulating assault weapons.

Newly introduced bills, such as Gun Trafficker Detection Act (H.R. 2418)[12] and Pause for Gun Safety Act (H.R. 2392)[13] have been introduced for conflict resolution purposes.

The re-introduced Gun Trafficker Detection Act would require lost or stolen firearms to be reported to law enforcement authorities within 48 hours. Additionally, the Pause for Gun Safety Act would require sellers to comply with the Act’s seven-day waiting period before a firearm is released to a potential buyer.

“The fight for the right to life is not the cause of a special few, but the cause of every man, woman and child who cares not only about his or her own family, but the whole family of man.”

Mildred Fay Jefferson

While I commend Representative Slotkin for introducing this bill, these solutions may do more harm than good.

First, an individual purchasing a firearm to harm themselves or to commit a mass shooting may not have a criminal history. It is also likely that systems will not “red flag” a transferee’s alleged mental history, which renders the seven-day waiting period ineffective.

Second, inviting a transferor to determine whether a transferee will use or may intend to use a firearm for a crime opens the appeal to probability. For example, there are beliefs in the US that most Blacks are violent and aggressive.[14]

If transferors were permitted to act on their beliefs, on the assumption that Blacks are more violent, aggressive and must be kept away from firearms, transferors would inevitably reject the sale. To be sure, reports show Blacks have been denied concealed-carry licenses despite not having a criminal record or violent history.[15] A review of the reasons provided show the transferors argued the men had a “propensity for violence or instability,” a stereotype that could befall any potential gun-owner.

While I staunchly condemn the level of gun freedoms the US Constitution and Congress has given to Americans, I cannot deny that the Act would give transferors unfettered discretion to pick and choose who owns a firearm. This discretion could put more children, families and communities at risk.

It is worth stating at this point that it is difficult to tell, just by looking at someone, if they have a propensity for violence or instability. One need only look to the Texas mall outlet shooting earlier this year, where a perpetrator with no criminal history passed the National Instant Criminal Background Check system, later committing one of the most deadliest mass shootings we’ve seen this year. On reflection, it seems more accurate to say amending the Second Amendment is a better solution.

It is abundantly clear that this culture of violence has rocked the nation and has placed communities in fear. In the last 72 hrs., more than a 150 people have lost their lives to guns. This is approximately 50 lives lost per day.

US Country Conditions Researcher: Congress Has the Power to Stop Gun Violence; Will They? If it Does Not, is International Law the Answer?

The prevalence of gun violence in the US violates the right to life and the right to security of person. Under the ICCPR, the US has a positive obligation of due diligence to prevent violations of the right to life. According to Maria Monnheimer, states have a general obligation to provide legislative human rights protection. Should Congress fail to enact gun-control legislation that protects the right to life, this could constitute a failure to comply with its international human rights obligations.

In the words of Mildred Fay Jefferson, “The fight for the right to life is not the cause of a special few, but the cause of every man, woman and child who cares not only about his or her own family, but the whole family of man.”

References

[1] Collins, Julie, and Emily Swoveland. “The Impact of Gun Violence: On Children, Families, & Communities.” Children’s Voice, vol. 23, no. 1, 2014, pp. 10–13. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/48626388. Accessed 22 June 2023.

[2] Nickerson, Amanda, and Rohan, Sonali. “Effects of Firearm Violence on Children: Implications for its Prevention in Our Schools and Communities.” The Rockefeller Institute of Government. August 2022, https://rockinst.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Effects-of-Firearm-Violence-on-Children.pdf

[3] Id.

[4] Holloway, K., Cahill, G., Tieu, T. et al. Reviewing the Literature on the Impact of Gun Violence on Early Childhood Development. Curr Psychiatry Rep (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01428-6

[5] Id.

[6] Valencia, Nick, and Sayers, Devin M. “11-year-old Mississippi who was shot by responding police officer after calling 911 is released from the hospital.” CNN. May 2023, https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/24/us/mississippi-police-shooting-11-year-old-boy/index.html

[7] WMBD News. “Family of Peoria 15-year-old killed in weekend shooting begs for gun violence to stop.” https://youtu.be/7JA3_CbtYIg

[8] NowThis. “British Mom Slams U.S. Gun Laws: How Does a 7-year-old Have a Gun?” NowThis News. January 2023, https://nowthisnews.com/news/watch-angry-british-mom-slams-us-gun-laws-how-does-a-7-year-old-have-a-gun

[9] Phang, Katie. “Gun violence and U.S. Tourism.” MSNBC YouTube. May 2023, https://youtu.be/N34l5TBR3Mo

[10] “H.R.7910 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Protecting Our Kids Act.” Congress.gov, Library of Congress, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/7910. Accessed 22 June 2023.

[11] “S.25 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Assault Weapons Ban of 2023.” Congress.Gov, Library of Congress, www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/25. Accessed 22 June 2023.

[12] “H.R.2418 – Gun Trafficker Detection Act .” Congress.Gov, Library of Congress, www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2418?s=1&r=71. Accessed 22 June 2023.

[13] “H.R.2392 – 118th Congress (2023-2024): Pause for Gun Safety Act.” Congress.Gov, Library of Congress, www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/2392?s=1&r=20. Accessed 22 June 2023.

[14] Hurwitz, Jon, and Mark Peffley. “Public Perceptions of Race and Crime: The Role of Racial Stereotypes.” American Journal of Political Science, vol. 41, no. 2, 1997, pp. 375–401. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2111769. Accessed 22 June 2023. See p. 380.

[15] Moyer, Justin Wm. “D.C. Won’t Give 3 Black Men Concealed-Carry Licenses. They’re Suing.” The Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2022, www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/27/guns-concealed-carry-lawsuit-discrimination/.

Announcements, Gun Violence US, ICCPR, ICERD

Calls for Accountability Grow as HRD Quianna Canada Condemns Shooting of Trans Organizer, Banko Brown

May 12, 2023 by JTC AI 0 Comments #Article 17, #Article 5 (iii), #Article 6

Calls for Accountability Grow as HRD Quianna Canada Condemns Shooting of Trans Organizer, Banko Brown

To Honorable Olivier De Schutter and the Esteemed Members of the Human Rights Committee,

I am writing to urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder of Banko Brown, an American trans organizer, whose life was taken by a security guard on April 27, 2023. The tragic event has left not only his loved ones, but also the entire LGBTQ community he was fighting for, devastated and fearful for their safety.

The Walgreens security guard stopped Brown for shoplifting, and afterwards, a confrontation ensued. During the confrontation, the security guard fatally shot Brown. Several US security guards have gunned down shoplifters in the US, raising the question as to whether shoplifting is now punishable by death in the nation.

Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights prohibits arbitrary deprivation of life. It also provides for specific conditions for the imposition of the death penalty with respect to countries that have not yet abolished it. Although the US ratified the Covenant on June 08, 1992, individual citizens cannot bring a complaint under the protocol.

The Human Rights Committee has articulated that countries such as the US—that have not abolished the death penalty—only may impose the death penalty for the most serious crimes. This means the US must interpret the term “most serious crimes” restrictively and should appertain only to crimes of extreme gravity, involving intentional killing. Evidence indicates that Brown was unarmed. Crimes not resulting directly and intentionally in death, such as economic crimes, can never serve as the basis for the imposition of the death penalty under Article 6.

Calls for Accountability Grow as HRD Quianna Canada Condemns Shooting of Trans Organizer, Banko Brown and Strangulation of Jordan Neely

The murder of Brown is not just a crime against an individual, but an attack on the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. As with Jordan Neely, Brown could not fully enjoy his rights, such as the right to food, because he could not afford to buy adequate food. I would even go so far as to say that Brown was also unable to obtain food because of the persistent patterns of discrimination in political and social participation in the US.

How the U.S. Government Failed Brown:

Right to Adequate Housing: the US Government has not fulfilled its obligation to protect homeless persons nationwide. As per the UN, States should regulate the housing and rental markets in a way that promotes and protects the right to adequate housing.

Right to Adequate Food: Food was not available, accessible or adequate for Brown. While there is no right to be fed by the Government, Brown does have a right to feed himself in dignity (Right to Adequate Food, p. 3). Whenever individuals or groups are unable, for reasons beyond their control, to enjoy the right to food by the means at their disposal, the US has the obligation to provide. An example provided by the UN is providing food assistance or ensuring social safety nets for the most deprived.

Links between Brown’s Human Right to Food and Other human rights:

The right to life. When people are not able to feed themselves, they face the risk of death by starvation, malnutrition or resulting illnesses.

The murder of Brown and Neely sends a chilling message to other houseless individuals that their lives are at risk. Indeed, the murder of impoverished persons is a broader problem with vigilante justice in the US. It may indicate a lack of respect for human rights, embolden a culture of impunity for those who commit crimes against homeless persons, or may indicate state-sanctioned violence.

As the world’s leading intergovernmental organization promoting peace, justice, and human rights, the UN has a responsibility to investigate such cases and hold those responsible accountable. The UN must send a strong message that the murder of homeless persons will not be tolerated and that those responsible must face justice.

I therefore call on the UN to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder Brown and Neely, and to seek information as to why the perpetrators are not being brought to justice. It is critical that the UN take action to prevent further attacks on homeless persons in the US, and to uphold the values of democracy, freedom, and justice that are at the core of its mission.

Sincerely,

Journey to the Center

Analysis, Gun Violence US

Why the Biden Administration’s New Executive Action Won’t Reduce Gun Violence

Mar 22, 2023 by Quianna Canada 0 Comments #Right to Life

Why the Biden Administration’s New Executive Action Won’t Reduce Gun Violence

On March 14, 2023, the Biden Administration announced a new executive action to reduce gun violence and to make our communities safe. But Americans have seen this before, haven’t we? Our government proposes a solution that will prevent gun violence in the nation and gun violence continues. After reading the new action, I am saddened to say our government is exposing us to another “Groundhog Gun Day.”

Connecticut was one of the first states to enact red flag laws. Yet this “Provision State” has experienced one of the most horrific mass-shootings in history. What Connecticuter can forget Adam Peter Lanza, who shot and killed 28 children at the Sandy Hook Elementary School? I know I cannot.

America’s undivided attention on the purchaser’s background is a Gadarene decision to make it appear as if the U.S. is tackling the gun epidemic in the nation, when in reality, its action have little to no effect.

While red flag laws are beneficial in preventing gun-related suicide deaths, there is little evidence to show the efficacy against mass-shootings.

Another important point to make is how the Biden Administration has changed its language regarding domestic terrorism. For instance, the Biden Administration has now cleped these individuals: “domestic abusers.” However, it is important to call these acts what they are: domestic terrorism. What is more, many of these individuals have little to no criminal record. Indeed, Payton S. Gendron, Salvador Rolando Ramos, Adam Peter Lanza, DeWayne Antonio Craddock and Ahmad Al Aliwi Al-Issa all had little or no criminal record at the time they committed their shootings.

Why the Biden Administration’s New Executive Action Won’t Reduce Gun Violence: Because Red Flag Systems Are Triggered by Criminal Records

Another important point to make is that red flag systems are triggered by criminal records. If an individual wants to commit a mass-shooting but does not have a criminal record, their purchase will not be red flagged. This means an individual with no criminal record who seeks to commit a mass-shooting can purchase a gun. Therefore, red flag systems are ineffective.

Even if this method closes the loophole for people with felony convictions and domestic terrorists and prevents them from purchasing a firearm legally, it does not avert the illegal purchase of a firearm. In light of these facts, it’s safe to say—or unsafe to say depending on how you look at it—that the Biden Administration’s new executive action will not reduce gun violence.

Gun Violence US

December 2022: Guns Killed 100 Americans in the Last 72 hrs.

Dec 25, 2022 by Quianna Canada 0 Comments #Right to Life

December 2022: Guns killed 100 Americans in the last 72 hrs. You read correctly. In the last the 3 days, 100 Americans have died by gun violence in the U.S., according to the Gun Violence Archive.

Several significant pieces of gun control legislation have failed in the U.S. Congress over the last few years. For instance, the Sabika Sheikh Firearm Licensing and Registration Act would prohibit the possession of certain ammunition and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. This brings the question back to: is the U.S. really a safe country? In May 2022, Health Data published an article showing the U.S. to be an outlier on gun violence. Nevada, Florida and Texas were just some of the states that had the worst mass shootings since 1991.

Recently, a woman was murdered by a violent partner with a gun, which Twitter user Rudy Owens says has been a consistent outcome of misogynistic violence exacerbated by lax gun laws and their unregulated sale. Cindy Laughlin stated on Twitter, “Another senseless tragedy. A deadly shooting at America’s largest mall right before Christmas. When will this stop?” Earlier this month, four people were found shot and killed at a home near Valley Station, according to WDRB.COM. In December, approximately over 844 people have lost their lives to gun violence. That is approximately 18 Americans dead per day.

December 2022: Guns Killed 100 Americans in the Last 72 hrs. What Does Science Say?

According to a paper published in Science Advances, gun violence is a leading cause of premature death and a driver of racial disparities in life expectancy in the U.S. Unarmed Black civilians are five times more likely to be shot and killed by police than unarmed white civilians.

What is more, 41,000 Americans die from gun violence every year—an average of more than 110 per day, based on data collected by Cliffords Law Center. Furthermore, Americans are 25 times more likely to be killed in a gun homicide than people in other high-income countries. While U.S. accounts for just 4% of the world’s population, it has 35% of global firearm suicides.

America has the weakest gun laws and the most guns—393 million—of any comparable nation.

Gun Violence US

U.S. Falls Behind Brazil in Gun Homicides

Dec 11, 2022 by Quianna Canada 0 Comments #Gun-control

The World Population Review, an independent organization without political affiliations, reported that the U.S. fell behind Brazil in gun homicides.

On the 19th of November 2022, a man opened fire at Club Q, an LGBT nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The man killed 5 partygoers and injured 17 others. Days later, another man opened fire at a Walmart store in Chesapeake, Virginia, killing 7 patrons and injuring 6 others. The Gun Violence Archive estimates the U.S. has seen a total of 625 mass shootings this year, with approximately 301 American children losing their lives to gun violence.

Failed Gun Control Legislation

The U.S. has failed to pass several significant pieces of legislation that would thwart gun violence in the region. For instance, Prosecuting Gun Crimes Saves Lives Act (“H.R. 1642”) has not advanced from its introductory phase. The purpose of H.R. 1642 would direct the U.S. Attorney General to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of Federal firearms offenses. In addition to H.R. 1642, the Declaring Gun Violence a Public Health Crisis (“H.Res.1165”) did not gain bi-partisan support in Congress. This resolution would acknowledge that gun violence in the U.S. is one of the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Congress’ own website shows the No Backdoor Gun Control Act (H.R. 6817), which would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and remove certain weapons from the definition of firearms for the purposes of the National Firearms Act, failed to make headway.

The U.S. Falls in at No. 2 With the Most Gun Homicides in the World

The U.S. falls in at number 2 on a list of 10 countries with the most gun violence: Brazil taking the lead (43,200) and then the U.S. (37,200). The U.S. has surpassed countries like India (26,500), Russia (4, 380) and Afghanistan (4,050). Based on the findings of Sara B. Heller and Max Kapustin, homicide rates due to gun violence have approached or surpassed their highest levels ever recorded in cities like Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Austin. EconoFact further reported that U.S. stands out from other democracies in its high level of gun violence. Countries like Portugal, who has some of the strictest gun control laws came in at number 6 (1.301) on the Global Peace Index (2022), with the U.S. coming in at 129 (2.44), three steps ahead of Eritrea (see p. 11).

Other nations like Japan has almost completely eliminated gun deaths. Singapore, another nation with strict laws which help to prevent gun violence, has seen a reduction in gun violence. The number of homicides in the U.S. raises to question as to whether citizens will rise up and call for a referendum on the Second Amendment.