COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a violent weekend, two of Ohio’s major cities experienced mass shootings, prompting renewed calls for stricter gun safety regulations. Columbus and Dayton officials are pushing for change, but face opposition from the Republican supermajority in the statehouse, which argues that tighter laws won’t solve the issue.
In Columbus, police are seeking the public’s help to identify the perpetrators of a shooting in the Short North entertainment district that injured at least 10 people, including two juveniles. A 19-year-old suspect, who allegedly drove the getaway car, turned himself in 12 hours after the incident and has been charged with obstruction. He remains in custody.
City Attorney Zach Klein expressed relief that all victims are expected to survive but emphasized that such violence cannot continue.
Dayton also faced a deadly drive-by shooting early Monday morning. Seven people were shot outside a party at a vacant house, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old woman and leaving an 18-year-old man in critical condition.
State Rep. Tom Young, R-Washington Township, acknowledged the tragedy but maintained that gun restrictions are not the solution. Governor Mike DeWine, while showing occasional support for gun safety measures, has consistently signed bills loosening firearm restrictions, even after mass shootings.
Gun violence in Ohio has been on the rise, with nearly 60 shootings reported in Ross County over the past two years. In March, Democratic lawmakers introduced comprehensive gun reform legislation, proposing measures such as red flag laws and waiting periods for gun purchases. These laws have shown effectiveness in other states, reducing gun-related suicides and homicides.
However, current gun reform efforts have stalled, largely due to opposition from Republican lawmakers like Bob Peterson. State Representative Michele Grim advocates for red flag laws, citing research that identifies pre-attack behaviors in potential shooters and highlights the need for preventive measures.
Local activist group Citizens United For Change emphasizes the importance of collaboration in addressing gun violence. Founder and former Guardian News Editor Jason Salley advocates for increased funding for law enforcement, comprehensive gun control measures, and educational programs to prevent violence. “This is not about dismantling the Second Amendment but about responsible legislation to keep firearms out of the wrong hands,” Salley said. In December one of Salley’s children was shot during what has been described by law enforcement as a “murder-suicide plot.” Police in Chillicothe responded to an East Water Street residence on reports of shots fired. Upon investigation, it was discovered two people had been shot and the shooter had taken their own life.
As Ohio grapples with these tragedies, the debate over how to effectively combat gun violence continues to intensify.