On Wednesday, September 4, a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, left four people dead, including two students, and nine others injured. The 14-year-old gunman, Colt Gray, has been apprehended and will be tried as an adult. Authorities reported that Gray used an AR-15-style rifle, but details on how he obtained the weapon remain unclear.
The AR-15, a civilian adaptation of the M16 military rifle, is known for its high velocity and rapid-fire capability. Initially marketed as a sporting rifle, it has become a common weapon in mass shootings due to its lethality and ease of use. The rifle can fire in rapid succession, causing severe damage and high casualties.
Developed in the 1950s by ArmaLite, the AR-15’s design was later sold to Colt, which created the M16 for military use. The civilian version, though originally intended for hunting and sport, became widely popular in the US following the expiration of a federal assault weapons ban in 2004. It is now one of the best-selling rifles in the country, with an estimated 24.6 million AR-15-style rifles owned by Americans.
The AR-15 has been used in numerous high-profile mass shootings, including the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting in 2022, the Parkland, Florida, school shooting in 2018, and the Aurora, Colorado, theater shooting in 2012. The rifle’s rapid-fire capability and high damage output make it a preferred choice for mass shooters.
The AR-15 has become a symbol in the broader debate over gun control in the US The National Rifle Association defends it as a powerful, versatile rifle, while many Democratic lawmakers advocate for banning it due to its association with mass shootings. Public opinion on AR-15 bans remains divided, reflecting the ongoing national debate over gun violence and regulation.
The recent school shooting in Georgia underscores the contentious role of the AR-15 in American gun violence. As the nation grapples with this issue, the debate over the rifle’s place in society and its regulation continues to be a focal point in discussions about gun control.
