Despite the fact that violence at sporting events has been a rather large topic of conversation recently, with the many incidents that have taken place across the nation, yet another horrific shooting has occurred. This time, it happened in the Midwest following the basketball game between the Thunder and the Lakers. While few details have been released, and it is unconfirmed whether this incident was indeed related to the basketball game, we do know that at least eight people were shot in downtown Oklahoma City on Monday night.
According to Capt. Dexter Nelson, the shootings occurred just three blocks from Chesapeake Energy Arena in the Bricktown district where the streets were filled with approximately 6000 celebrating fans. Eye-witnesses reported an argument and a scuffle that erupted between a group of women and a group of men when someone opened fire into the crowd. Eight victims were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds. One of the victims is currently in critical condition while the others did not suffer life-threatening injuries. Nelson also stated a woman who was pregnant suffered a blunt trauma injury and she was even believed to have been kicked during the aftermath of the shootings. Although initial reports stated two men were arrested, Nelson confirmed there have been no arrests and in relation to the shootings and the initial reports were false.
Ironically, Oklahoma Governor, Mary Fallin, recently signed Senate Bill 1733 into law, known as the “Open Carry” law. This bill would allow anyone possessing a license to carry a firearm under the Oklahoma Self Defense Act will be able to carry openly or concealed at their discretion. Any property owner will be able to open carry on their own property regardless of whether they have a license to carry or not. Oklahoma is the 41st state to allow open carry.
Between the brutal beating of San Francisco Giants’ fan Brian Stow at Dodgers Stadium last March, the shootings following last year’s preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders and the New York Jets’ fan who barely survived after being jumped after the game against the Kansas City Chiefs last December, not to mention countless other acts of violence, it’s quite apparent that tough legislation is needed if we’re to have a hope of reducing these horrible crimes.