Each weekend we see more violence. Rarely do we get a break from headlines discussing mass gun violence in America. Each time we hope for it to stop but wonder when it will cease. Some of the incidents of violence stick out more than others. Not because we do not care about all of the victims but because some of these crimes are so heinous and insidious that they are unforgettable.

The Buffalo Supermarket Shooting, which happened on May 14th, 2022, shook the country for obvious reasons. At play in this terrible incident was extremism and hatred. These two elements are intrinsically linked to mass violence in America. From the Charleston Church Shooting in 2015 to the rise in hate crimes, we are at a crossroads.

More people are purchasing guns at the same time as more people are becoming radicalized by rhetoric that is widely available in mainstream media and the dark web. This move to extremism and hatred has been brewing for decades. Guns and right-wing terror go hand-in-hand. The crux of the issue: access to firearms and a desire to “take back one’s country.”

Recently we did an episode of Out In Front With Annette that focused on right-wing extremism and guns. Our panelists spoke about the dangers of groups spreading information that creates anger and division. They talked about the rise in hate crimes, gun violence, and coordinated hate groups. All of this was before the Buffalo shooting.

We must address the hate but we also have to have comprehensive gun reforms. Heading into an election where many GOP candidates are supporting “constitutional carry” and “voter ID” laws, it is imperative that we stay united, get out to vote, and work toward change. Please share our recent episode focusing on extremism and continue fighting against the hatred we see.