“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 already prevent youth from buying and possessing alcohol and tobacco until age 21 because these restrictions save lives. Similarly, allowing youth to buy and possess guns at the age of 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 soccer player Luis Garcia, 16, was shot while sitting in his car outside the high school. He died of his wounds on March 1. Other teenagers are suspected of being the killers, although no charges have been filed.
Second, less than six weeks after Luis’ attack, 17-year-old East High student, Austin Lyle, shot and seriously injured two East High 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.
Nationally, young people commit gun offenses in disproportionately high numbers. Young folks also commit more than “their share” of gun homicides. For instance, while 19 to 20-year-olds comprise just 4% of the United States population, they account for 17% of known homicide offenders.
Youth are responsible for many mass shootings. The Fed Ex warehouse killer was under 21. The Buffalo grocery store attacker was 18, as was the shooter at the Uvalde school. Six of the nine worst mass shootings in 2018 were by persons 21 and younger.
Youth 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 1 in 3 teen girls seriously considered suicide last year.
Gun access can significantly increase this risk. 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; those under the direct supervision of a family member older than 25, military members, peace officers, and for 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 Human Communications at the University of Denver from 1975-2012. She and her family have lived in Denver or the Denver Metro area since 1960. Dottie Lamm, first lady of Colorado 1975-1986, is a retired psychiatric social worker and journalist. A continuing political activist, she has resided in Denver since 1959.
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