Save guns until 21; save lives
“Coming of age.” There is a reason we immediately understand the meaning of this phrase. Common sense, plus our memories of high school, remind us that some experiences are better reserved for later in life. We prevent youths from buying and possessing alcohol and tobacco until age 21 because these restrictions save lives. Similarly, allowing youths to buy and possess guns at age 18 takes lives.
Why make this call? We see solid research about the delayed development of the human brain, particularly in areas that may alter a person’s likelihood of involvement in violence against themselves or others.
Tragically, this research has been validated right here in Denver in two recent incidents:
First, on Feb. 13, East High School student-athlete Luis Garcia, 16, was shot while sitting in his car outside the high school. He died of his wounds March 1. Other teenagers are suspected of being the killers, although no charges have been filed.
Second, less than six weeks after the attack on Luis, 17-yearold East High student Austin Lyle shot and seriously wounded two East administrators who were patting him down for a weapons search.
Lyle later killed himself.
Following both tragedies, a massive group of East High students (including the grandson of one of us) marched to the state Capitol to demand measures not only for their own safety but for that of their teachers, administrators and staff members.
Nationally, young people commit gun offenses in disproportionately high numbers. Young folks also commit more than “their share” of gun homicides. For instance, although 19to 20-year- olds make up just 4% of the U.S. population, they account for 17% of known homicide offenders.
Youths are responsible for many mass shootings. The Fed Ex warehouse killer was under 21. The Buffalo, N.Y., grocery store attacker was 18, as was the shooter at the Uvalde, Texas, school. Six of the nine worst mass shootings in 2018 were by persons 21 and younger.
Youths are dangerous to themselves as well as others. The rising rate of youth suicide is appalling and often results from the same faulty decision processes of a brain not fully developed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in three teen girls seriously considered suicide last year.
Gun access can increase this risk significantly. Suicide attempts are at the highest rates from age 14 to 21. The association between firearm availability and suicide is strongest among adolescents and young adults. In Colorado, suicide accounts for the largest number of gun deaths.
So what can the legislature do to reduce these tragic trends?
Pass Senate Bill 169, which prohibits the purchase and possession of handguns to persons under 21 years old. There are some exemptions: for those under the direct supervision of a family member older than 25, military members, peace officers and self- defense in residence. Others exemptions include teens with hunting licenses.
Several states and the District of Columbia have passed bills to increase the age of possession to 21. These states have experienced a 9% decline in suicides for 18- to 20-year- olds and a decrease in unintentional deaths.
So please join us, our kids and grandkids in urging your legislators to support the passage of Senate Bill 169, which requires a minimum of age
21 to purchase a firearm. Our teens and young adults disproportionately use guns to kill themselves and others. Let’s make sure that “coming of age” is achieved safely.
Myra Warren Isenhart is a specialist in conflict resolution who taught communications at the University of Denver from 1975-2012. Dottie Lamm, the first lady of Colorado 1975-1986, is a retired psychiatric social worker and journalist.