In recent events, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has raised issues related to gun violence to residents of the United States. In order to understand the causes of gun violence in the United States, a comparison of gun laws and gun violence rates in Massachusetts and Mississippi is examined, possible solutions to gun violence are discussed, as well as 'a comparison of gun violence in the United States and Canada. . CONCLUSION SENTENCEGun violence “can be defined as a category of violence and crime committed through the use of a firearm” (Gun Violence, 2013, paragraph 1). Gun violence can result in physical or mental injury or even death. Guns are owned by a large portion of the American population. Most people own guns for protection or self-defense, but a few obtain guns for illegal activities that could result in violence. Kleck (1998) suggests that “When guns are used in violent crimes, it increases the likelihood that the crime will be committed…” (p 114). Compared to other countries, the United States ranks 12th in the world for gun deaths (Rapoza, 2012). Although the United States is not the number one country in the world, the increase in gun violence in the United States is causing heartache and disappointment for American residents. The main factor that generates gun violence is the availability of the firearm to the person committing the crime. Gun violence is mainly used in criminal activities, namely robbery, homicide and suicide. Although research shows that media and the Internet can also have an effect on gun violence, the availability of a gun will increase the risk that a person will use it in criminal activity, either to commit a crime or to protect against crime. "The availability of guns greatly increases the risk of violent death in America, as many acts of violence...... middle of paper ...... deaths. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2012/12/17/worst-countries-for-firearms-rated-deaths/Rev,TL (1994-1995). Concealed Carry, 703-704.Rogers, S (2012). Gun crime statistics by US state: latest data. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2011/jan/10/gun-crime-us-state#data Stell, LKThe Production of Criminal Violence in America: Strict Gun Control Is- he the solution. Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, 32(1), 38-46. Retrieved from http://login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sih&AN=14039648&site=ehost-live&scope=siteWebster, DW & Vernick, JS and Bloomberg, MR (2013). Reducing Gun Violence in America: Informing Policy with Evidence and Analysis. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Retrieved November 9, 2013 from the MUSE project database.