Eighteen people were killed in a mass shooting at two locations in Lewiston, Maine, Wednesday night, – an attack that prompted a manhunt across the region as local, state and federal law enforcement officials search for a gunman.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 40-year-old Robert Card, for whom authorities have obtained an arrest warrant on multiple murder charges in connection to the shootings. Card — who is considered armed and dangerous — is a certified firearms instructor and a member of the US Army Reserves, law enforcement officials in Maine told news media.
The phenomenon of mass shootings in the U.S. has been a topic of major concern for not only American policymakers and citizens but also for neighboring countries, primarily Canada. Given their geographical proximity and cultural ties, events in the U.S. can have ripple effects in Canada. Our BlueSky team looks at the possible correlation between the rise in mass shootings in the U.S. and the evolution and increase of active shooters in Canada.
The U.S. has witnessed a concerning rise in mass shootings over the past few decades. Cultural, political, and legislative factors have contributed to this grim reality. The ease of access to firearms, lack of comprehensive gun control measures, and the socio-political environment are often cited as contributing factors.
Given the close cultural ties and significant media overlap, events in the U.S. can have a psychological and sociological impact in Canada. Canadian citizens are frequently exposed to U.S. news, which can create a heightened sense of awareness or even fear regarding mass shootings.
Canada has historically had fewer instances of mass shootings compared to the U.S. Factors such as stricter gun control laws, different cultural attitudes towards firearms, and a robust healthcare system are believed to contribute to this distinction. However, Canada has not been immune to such events. Over the decades, Canada has had incidents, including the Polytechnique massacre in Montreal in 1989 and the more recent Nova Scotia rampage in 2020. While these events have been profoundly tragic and impactful, they have not occurred with the same frequency as in the U.S.
While Canada has witnessed mass shooting events, it's crucial to note that they have not shown a consistent upward trend similar to the U.S. However, any occurrence naturally raises concerns and prompts questions about whether such incidents are becoming more frequent. It's worth noting that while mass shootings might not have seen a consistent rise, gun-related crimes in specific cities or regions have occasionally seen spikes, leading to concerns about firearms' proliferation.
There had been fluctuations in gun-related crimes in Canada over the years, but specific patterns vary based on the type of crime, the region or city in question, and the timeframe being considered. To comprehensively analyze this issue, our BlueSky team breaks down the data available up to that time:
Statistics Canada data has shown periods where gun-related crimes increased. For instance, after a prolonged decline from the early 1990s to the early 2010s, gun violence saw a rise in the mid-to-late 2010s. This uptick was primarily driven by an increase in firearm-related violent crimes, such as assaults and robberies.
While national statistics provide a broad overview, gun violence and its trends can vary significantly by province and city:
- Major Cities: Some major cities like Toronto and Vancouver have experienced spikes in shootings or gun-related homicides at various points. These cities have seen years where gun violence has increased followed by periods of decline.
- Provinces: In terms of provinces, areas like Manitoba and Saskatchewan have had higher rates of firearm-related violent crimes compared to the national average. Conversely, provinces like Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador have had rates below the national average.
A significant portion of the increase in gun violence in certain years can be attributed to gang-related activity. For example, several major cities have seen gang-related shootings contribute to spikes in gun violence.
Alongside the occurrence of gun-related crimes, there has been concern about the increase in the number of firearms, especially handguns, found or seized by police. Many of these firearms are believed to be illicitly obtained, often smuggled from the United States.
In response to concerns about rising gun violence, both federal and provincial governments have considered or implemented measures to address the issue. This includes bans on specific firearms, such as handguns, enhanced border security measures to prevent smuggling, and initiatives to tackle gang violence. - Given the media's role in shaping perceptions, the extensive coverage of U.S. mass shootings can potentially influence at-risk individuals in Canada. The "contagion effect," where extensive media coverage of one mass shooting might lead to more such incidents, is a concern. While most Canadians can differentiate between U.S. and Canadian realities, the saturation of such news might desensitize individuals or, in rare cases, motivate copycat actions.
While the rise of mass shootings in the U.S. is concerning, Canada has, fortunately, not seen a proportional increase in such incidents. The robust legislative framework, cultural attitudes, and preventive measures have played a role in maintaining this distinction. However, it's essential to remain vigilant, learn from the U.S. experience, and continually adapt policies to ensure the safety and security of Canadian citizens.