There have been more than 100 mass shootings in America this year alone. A mass shooting is defined as having at least four or more people injured or dead - meaning the casualty list for 2019 is extensive.
It's a growing statistic that baffles many people inside and outside of America and in particular New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Obviously Ms Ardern has just endured a particularly terrible mass shooting in her own country where 51 people were killed by far-right white supremacists who targeted two mosques in Christchurch.
In just seven days after the terror attack, the Prime Minister announced sweeping changes to her country's gun laws, which would hopefully ensure that what happened in Christchurch wouldn't happen again.
It's something that people have called for in the US after every single mass shooting, but hasn't eventuated.
Ms Ardern can't work out why.
"Australia experienced a massacre and changed their laws. New Zealand had its experience and changed its laws. To be honest, I do not understand the United States," she told CNN.
"We will continue to be a food-producing nation that deals with animal welfare issues and so on, and has a practical purpose and use for guns, but you can draw a line and say that that does not mean that you need access to military-style semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles.
"You do not. And New Zealanders, by and large, absolutely agreed with that position."
In March, Ms Ardern announced a raft of changes to the country's laws, including a ban on military style weapons, semi-automatic weapons, assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and parts that can convert guns into military style weapons.
Mrs Ardern said: "On March 15 our history changed forever. Now, our laws will too. We are announcing action today on behalf of all New Zealanders to strengthen our gun laws and make our country a safer place.
"To owners who have legitimate uses for their guns, I want to reiterate that the actions being announced today are not because of you, and are not directed at you. Our actions, on behalf of all New Zealanders, are directed at making sure this never happens again."
In the days after the attack, more than 70,000 people signed a petition calling for action on gun legislation.
Who knows what it'll take for changes to be made in America.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: New Zealand, News, US
