this post was submitted on 11 Apr 2024
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US woman goes on highway shooting spree: There were many things American officials were gearing up to face amid the solar eclipse - traffic jams, accidents, eye injuries and more. But this one definitely wasn't on their list.

In a bizarre incident, a woman suddenly shot at two drivers on a Florida interstate and claimed that she was asked by "God" to do so via the solar eclipse, as per the police.

...

Strangely, the Sunshine State was not even close to the path of totality and hence, was supposed to be the least affected by the astronomical phenomenon.

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[–] [email protected] 55 points 4 months ago (5 children)

This woman had access to a gun.

In my country, I literally don't know anyone who owns a gun. I wouldn't even know where to start to get one. I suppose I could drive out to the bush and a farmer would have a rifle. But that's about it.

I'd otherwise need criminal associates to access one.

How did she have one? Why was it so easy for her to get in a very isolated, specific state of psychosis?

[–] lastunusedusername2 24 points 4 months ago

US woman [...]

Mystery solved πŸ™ƒ

[–] [email protected] 15 points 4 months ago (2 children)

In the US nearly person as access to guns by driving to the local gun store like it’s a convenience store, nearly every small town as at least one. I grew up in a town of ~3000 and we had two, they were so busy there was a waiting list for guns/ammo since they could barely meet demand. Next town over (40 minute highway drive) was a town of ~15000 and they had half a dozen of you count the Walmart and rural king stores as gun stores, they do sell guns.

It’s easier to get firearms and ammunition than healthy food here.. forget farmers markets or local food sources, it’s all guns and chain slop outside the major cities

[–] [email protected] 9 points 4 months ago (3 children)

It blows my mind that guns are everywhere you go in the US. I guess it must blow their mind to know that the only time I've seen a proper gun in the UK was on specialist police who were outside a court house when it had a high profile case. I'm 45 years old.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

You don't live in the countryside then, shop near me has shotguns on one side of the isle and booze on the other. Harrods sells guns, they are about.

[–] funkless_eck 1 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago)

just checked Google maps - I have 21 gun stores within a 10-mile radius of my house.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

When I was in high school in the late 00s it was the worst kept secret in the world that 75% of the trucks in the school parking lot had guns in them. Mostly shotguns since many of us would hunt before school and if we didn’t get a deer that morning we’d go into school but if we did we’d skip that day. Now I’ve moved to a city in my adulthood but I still see guns near daily, either on our regular beat cops or by people just open carrying everywhere since my state allows open carry

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago

And that's truly fucked

[–] [email protected] 13 points 4 months ago (1 children)

murica!!! everyone's gotta have their guns!!!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Gun control to a reasonable extent is certainly a good idea, but it won't solve the problem. I know lots of people who own guns. It's quite common in my bfs home country. Yet there's pretty much never news of shootings. You know why? People have healthcare and some social safety nets. They don't tend to get as bad as this woman got. If she didn't have a gun, god would've told her to stab people at the supermarket because the system has gravely failed her in some way. Mentally healthy people aren't told by god to kill people. So while gun control is necessary, it's very far from the solution to the violence problem in the US.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I know you mention it at the very end, what I'm saying is that footnote is no footnote at all

[–] [email protected] -1 points 4 months ago

What we really need to end all violence in America is to lobotomize everyone in an enhanced way. By removing significant portions of the brain, we can end motility and freedom, which are necessary preconditions for violence.

[–] [email protected] 31 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Wait, God "asks" people to do things now? What, is he getting soft?

Moses didn't receive the 10 requests, or the 10 suggestions.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 months ago

God needs people to do his bidding, since he can't do it himself, on account that he doesn't exist.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

Pweese do what I say UwU

[–] [email protected] 30 points 4 months ago (1 children)

If they were not expecting a shooting they have not been paying attention.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Paying attention to what exactly? Was eclipse shootings a trending hashtag or something im confused

[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 months ago (1 children)

The number of shootings that happen every day in the US.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Oh, then every shooting should be expected in the US by that metric

[–] [email protected] 14 points 4 months ago

I mean....yes? Until the systemic issues are fixed, it's not going to stop.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

It’s america, asking if there will be a shooting is like asking a german if they’ll serve beer at an event.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 4 months ago (2 children)

Florida woman: I'm on a mission from God. Cocks gun

[–] [email protected] 9 points 4 months ago

How about next time god tells ya to go on a shooting spree start with yourself, K? Thanks

[–] [email protected] 8 points 4 months ago

In a bizarre incident, a woman suddenly shot at two drivers on a Florida interstate and claimed that she was asked by "God" to do so via the solar eclipse, as per the police.

Florida

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

Look lady we all hear voices, you just gotta tell them to mind their own business