The mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, has reignited the gun control debate in the US. The suspect, Nikolas Cruz, was a former student of the school who was expelled for disciplinary reasons. He was armed with an AR-15 rifle, which he allegedly used to kill 17 people.
The shooting has prompted many people to call for stricter gun control laws, including a ban on assault weapons like the AR-15. Others, including some members of the Republican Party, have suggested that the issue is not one of gun control, but of mental health.
The suspect in the Parkland shooting had a history of mental health problems and was reportedly on medication for autism. He had also been receiving treatment from a mental health clinic. However, it is not clear if he was ever formally diagnosed with a mental illness.
There is no single profile of a mass shooter, and most people with mental illness are not violent. However, mental health experts say that there are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of violence, such as a history of violence, easy access to firearms, and a lack of social support.
It is not yet clear what motivated the Parkland shooting suspect. However, many mass shooters have reported feeling bullied or persecuted before carrying out their attacks. In some cases, these feelings may be related to mental illness, but not always.
The issue of gun control is likely to continue to be debated in the US in the wake of the Parkland shooting. It is a complex issue, with many factors to consider. Mental health is just one of many factors that can contribute to gun violence.