Where Are the Wounded Americans Now?

We mourn the victims of gun violence by rote, but so quickly we forget about the survivors

Photo by billow926 on Unsplash

There is a small army of Americans who are survivors of our nation’s perverse commitment to a nearly 300-year-old amendment. Where are they? Rather, how are they?

At a graduation party in South Carolina:

Six of the seven injured were age 17 or younger, authorities said (Mass Shootings Across the U.S.).

Are they able to dress without help? Are they able to make families? Are they able to hold phones in their hands and share photos with friends? Are they able to feel any physical sensations?

In Pennsylvania, police say multiple shooters fired into a crowd late Saturday night on South Street, a famous Philadelphia drag known for its nightlife, character, and vibrancy. Authorities said three people were killed by the gunfire, and at least 11 others were wounded. Police said multiple handguns were recovered at the scene, but no arrests have been made (Mass Shootings Across the U.S.).

If you do a Google search of the keywords “wounded from mass shootings,” not much information shows up. It’s as if shootings are only tragic when a dozen or so innocent people are slaughtered. When you see “one killed and 11…