JAN. 8 ANNIVERSARY: Gun law discussion continues 10 years after Tucson tragedy

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Ten years after the Jan. 8 incident in Tucson, talk continues about what to do when it comes to stopping mass shootings.

According to the Gun Violence Archive, since Jan. 8, 2011, there have been more than 2,000 mass shootings in the United States.

Dr. Douglas Kenrick, an Arizona State psychology professor, said that number may be part of the reason not a lot has happened.

“The brain is designed to be sensitive to change and the brain is designed to be sensitive to danger,” he said. “So whenever we hear news about some change in danger, we react. When nothing happens to us, we go back to normal.”

According to a 2013 study, states with stricter gun laws have fewer gun-related deaths.

While the study doesn’t explain if the gun laws are the reason for that difference, Kenrick said it’s a good starting point.

“Look at the scientific evidence on this,” he said.

Arizona Rep. David Schweikert said there has been talk about change since 2008.

“I think the debate may have matured,” he said. “It took a while because it turns out it’s more complicated. In the past it was a trite political football,.”

Former Rep. Ron Barber, someone injured in the Tucson shooting, said the conversation needs to continue.

“We just can’t say, ‘oh well this is what happened,’” he said.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.