Gun violence is something that is not talked about nearly enough in Jackson. Since 2016, 101 people have been victims of gun violence in Jackson, 13 of which died, which was stated in the article, “A look at gun violence in Jackson”, on Mlive.  With four to five people dying each year, a future change does not seem likely.

Officer Warren Johnson, a police officer for the Jackson City Police Department, stated that more teens are involved in gun violence than adults. He also stated that most homicides in Jackson involve young adults, mostly ages 16 to 26. Jackson families are losing their children all the time, yet not much is being done to stop it.

When someone is lost to gun violence, it can affect more than just their family. A lot of the community can be affected as well. Lesley Shuberg is a member of the Jackson community who has lost someone to gun violence.

“When my family lost our young close friend, we were all almost as upset as his own family was,” said Shuberg. “A lot of the Jackson community knew and loved him too.”

US Gun Classes stated that in order to obtain a pistol in Jackson, you have to be at least 21, you need a background check, gun license, and complete forms that state you own it. Anyone could sell those guns illegally to others in Jackson, though. If these regulations were to become stricter, then the amount of teenage gun violence would decrease.

“I have been around for a while, and in all my time there have been very few changes to rules regarding guns,” said Shuberg. “If there were any changes, they were small.”

Over many years, the amount of gun violence has only increased, and it will continue to increase if nothing is done. According to Officer Johnson, most guns used in homicides are illegal (unregistered or stolen).

“It saddens me that this generation is growing up thinking they need to prove something. They value their street credit more than life itself,” said Officer Johnson. “I do believe some changes need to be made to at least attempt to stop these things.”

To Officer Johnson, Jackson families will continue to be hurt by the losses of friends and family members if gun regulations are not changed soon.