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12-Year-Old Arrested by Richland County Deputies for Shooting, Armed Robbery

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A 12-year-old has been arrested in connection with a shooting on Nov. 11 and an armed robbery from March, according to Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. You read that right, a 12-year-old has been arrested for allegedly shooting a 14-year-old in Columbia, SC.

Deputies responded to reports of a shooting around 7 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the 3600 block of Ranch Road, located behind a restaurant in Columbia. Upon arrival, they found a 14-year-old suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators determined the incident began as an argument involving the 12-year-old and four other juveniles. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking the victim. The shooter fled the scene before deputies arrived.

On Nov. 15, the 12-year-old suspect turned themselves in at the Richland County Sheriff’s Department headquarters. The juvenile now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, possession of a weapon under 18, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

During the investigation, authorities linked the suspect to an armed robbery near East Boundary Road in March. The juvenile has been charged with armed robbery in connection with that incident as well. The 12-year-old has been booked into the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The Broader Context: Gun Violence and Legislative Impacts

The arrest of a 12-year-old in a violent crime underscores the growing concerns about gun violence in South Carolina and across the United States. South Carolina currently ranks 8th nationally for gun violence, a statistic that has become a focal point of debate following the state’s new open carry law.

South Carolina’s New Open Carry Law

On March 7, 2024, Governor Henry McMaster signed H. 3594 into law, allowing permitless carry for individuals legally eligible to own a firearm. This change, part of South Carolina’s shift toward “constitutional carry,” has sparked significant debate:

Proponents argue it upholds Second Amendment rights and allows individuals to protect themselves more effectively.
Critics express concerns over increased risks of gun violence and accidents, particularly without mandatory training requirements.

Despite these concerns, Governor McMaster defended the law, stating, “This law ensures that South Carolinians can exercise their constitutional rights without unnecessary government interference.”

Comparing Gun Violence Across States

The broader political landscape reveals a stark divide in approaches to gun control and regulation. Of the top 20 states for gun violence, 15 are governed by Republicans, reflecting a tendency to prioritize Second Amendment rights over restrictive gun laws.

Notably, comparisons between Chicago (a Democratic stronghold) and St. Louis (in Republican-led Missouri) shed light on disparities in media narratives versus actual gun violence rates:

Chicago:
Population: ~2.7 million
Gun-Related Homicides (recent year): 800
Per Capita Rate: 29.63 per 100,000 people
St. Louis:
Population: ~300,000
Gun-Related Homicides (recent year): 200
Per Capita Rate: 66.67 per 100,000 people

St. Louis has a per capita gun violence rate more than double that of Chicago, highlighting that smaller cities in Republican-led states often face more severe gun violence issues relative to their population sizes.

Conclusion

The arrest of a 12-year-old for violent crimes serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding gun violence, especially in states with lenient firearm regulations. As South Carolina continues to navigate its new open carry law, its impact on crime rates will be closely monitored.

For more updates and in-depth analyses on crime, legislation, and gun violence, stay tuned to CC News Network.

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