The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people after reports of an active shooter at Augusta Mall today.
What It Means For You: The mall is closed until further notice. Stay away from the area to let deputies finish their work safely.
What’s Happening: Deputies responded to active shooter reports and secured the scene. Two suspects are now in custody.
Catch Up Quick: Police are still working at the mall and ask people to avoid the area for safety reasons and to not interfere with their investigation.
The Sources: Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Gun Crimes in Our Communities: Here are statistics from The Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit meticulously tracking gun incidents.
2023 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 39,135
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 18,874
- Gun-related injuries: 36,357
- Mass shootings: 656
2022 Statistics:
- Total gun-related incidents: 42,064
- Gun-related deaths (excluding suicides): 20,200
- Gun-related injuries: 38,500
- Mass shootings: 647
While firearm deaths and injuries saw a slight decline compared to previous years, mass shootings continued to rise, with 2023 surpassing 650 incidents. This underscores the continued severity of gun violence in the U.S.
To Be Clear: These aren’t just digits on a page. Each statistic represents a life affected, a community shaken.
