To the Editor:

The mayhem recently occurring in Las Vegas resulted the deaths of 59 people and over 546 casualties from a single gunman in just a few minutes.

Research indicates there have been almost 300 events of mass shooting in the United States during 2017 through Oct 1. These mass shooting inflicted injuries to over 1,450 people. This does not include the other victims, those 337 men, women and children who died as a result of these shootings. It is unfortunate, but it would be foolish to think it could never happen here. This year to date mass shootings have occurred in six North Carolina locations, from Hickory to Elizabeth City.

Common sense says that there is no possible reason to sell guns or rifles that can kill 59 people and wound 546 people in a few brief minutes. Common sense tells us these types of lethal weapons cannot be justified by sportsmen, hunters or those claiming self-defense. Putting politics aside, what American citizen needs a M16 assault weapon, much less 10 of them?

It is both prayer and faith that leads Christians to take action. It is now time for people of all faiths to let our elected officials know that the sanctity of firearms can no longer take precedence over the sanctity of human lives. Now is the time to demand protection for the millions of Americans who want to attend schools, churches, concerts and musical events without fear of injury or death.

The Rev. Deacon Katherine Mitchell
Washington