As President Obama’s time in the White House is coming to an end he is trying to accomplish big things. For him, it is doing more to stop gun violence, an epidemic that has been a common sight for many years now. During a speech on January 5 he announced his gun control executive actions. While speaking he got very emotional when he described the many mass shooting that have happened during his presidency.

We interviewed two freshmen about what they think about gun violence and how it should be stopped. They were asked why they think there is so much gun violence , “I think there is so much gun violence because gun culture in the states is a big thing and people like to feel safe and secure,” said Quinn Lamontagne.

Today there is an increase in the sale of firearms online. It makes it much easier to buy and more people can buy them. “It is a serious issue today,” said Tad Wood.

One thing Obama is going to do is expand background checks and provide more mental health treatments. “Many guns are sold illegally to people who aren’t in the right state of mind and they ultimately go on to commit crimes, i think it could contribute to stopping gun violence,” said Lamontagne.

One of the actions is to make vendors at gun shows have a license and to be required to perform background checks. “I think the vendors should be required to have and license and perform background checks,” said Wood.

The U.S. has a significantly higher murder rate than other first world countries. “ I think we have a significantly higher murder rate because some of the laws aren’t being enforced well,” said Lamontagne.

Gun control is going to be a heavily talked about topic in the upcoming presidential race. I asked their plan would be if they were a candidate.“I would make more strict laws for gun control. But also educate more people about the dangers of guns. However I think guns will always be around via the black market even if there are more strict gun laws. For example, there have been strict laws on illegal drugs, but people still find ways to get them. I believe this is the same for gun control,” said Wood.