I’m in UK, where it’s unlawful to have guns (or any other weapon) on the street. So, in answer to your question, @Tandora, we don’t need to learn anything from it, other than to make sure our gun laws are robust to prevent people carrying guns in public.
@RowanRed90 Guns do kill people. In fact, their only purpose is to frighten, hurt or kill people (or other creatures). Which is why they should be illegal.
Yes, of course someone intent on frightening, hurting or killing other people can use other means: their bare hands or a knife. But only when right next to them and with some force. The victim is forewarned and has much more chance to escape or fight them off. Guns can inflict harm by accident, from a long distance or through doors/windows. So, people can be unaware they’re at risk and it’s very hard to protect themselves or escape. Plus anyone can be killed by a stray bullet.
As knives are a kitchen essential, it’s impossible to restrict access, as can happen with guns. But it’s certainly unlawful to carry them in public.
The motivation of a killer is irrelevant, political or otherwise. Anyone who wants to kill is clearly morally bankrupt or mentally/psychologically unwell. Even if they rationalise it to themselves that it’s because they’re being paid or the world will be a better place. Clearly, it’s sick to believe it’s OK to kill.
Sadly, some people have limited episodes of being so unstable they want to kill. Access to a gun means there’s far more chance that short period of instability results in them taking a life and ruining their own (and those of both families) in the process. Tragic.
That’s why easy access to mental health services and help out of organised criminal gangs or to combat online grooming, as a health issue, with safeguarding at the heart, is essential.