KMA News - Young: Congress Must Address Gun Violence, Mental Health Issues

News Article

By Mike Peterson

Following last week's latest mass shooting in the U.S., speculation is centered on the link between gun violence and mental illness.

Calling the shooting at Umpqua Community College "a senseless tragedy," and "evil," Iowa 3rd District Congressman David Young tells KMA News it's a link that must be examined.

"Congress has a lot of challenges in front of us," said Young. "And, America does too when it comes to mental health. You know, we talk about gun control and background checks, but I think the real issue here is mental health, and how do you know if somebody is going to do something very bad."

Young says part of the challenge is getting information on the extent of mental illness in this country.

"Because of health privacy laws," he said, "we don't have a lot of access to a lot of mental health information for individuals. I'm committed to work with my colleagues to address this in some way, and I hope we do bring something up to address this in some way. It's very important. I don't want to see this anymore, nobody does, and hear about these awful tragedies."

The Van Meter Republican says another challenge is finding middle ground between Second Amendment Rights, and stopping firearms from falling into the wrong hands.

"Where is that middle ground," said Young, "when we're making sure we protect the constitutional right of the Second Amendment, and also protect our communities and families, and have the ability to identify these people who have real problems? That's the tough spot. And, right now, nobody has really found that solution. But, I think the debate should be there."

President Obama has been accused of "politicizing" the shootings by calling for gun legislation in his address following last Thursday's incident. While saying the president spoke out of frustration and concern, Young says Obama offered no solutions to mass shooting incidents.

"When it comes to gun control," he said, "I mean, you think about all the thousands of gun control laws out there that wouldn't have stopped this. So, you have to pivot to mental health. And, you have to look at some of our gun laws that prohibit people, as well, from being able to arm themselves--particularly about gun-free zones. People who want to do harm--that's kind of a green light for them, unfortunately, when they hear about these gun-free zones. And, that's where most of these tragedies occur."

The congressman hopes the country will remember the efforts of Chris Mintz, a military veteran wounded in the shootings. Mintz is being called a hero for running toward the gunman to protect others during the incident.

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