Both recent mass shooters were 18 and what's not being discussed is the psychological effect COVID-19 and the lockdowns had on the psyche of these shooters.

A recently published article entitled "Epidemiologists Find Potential Link Between Covid Lockdowns and a Rise in Violent youth" makes the point that socially malevolent behavior is driven by severing socialization, social bonds, and support normally operational in a functional society. The lockdowns and school closures shatter a sense of the future, of belonging, of ‘mattering,’ a sense of loss and hope and dreams.

In my opinion examining the psychology of these shooters and where this overwhelming sense of hopelessness is stemming from in society is much more productive and beneficial than blaming a tool, or an object for these tragedies.

Source article: https://thefreethoughtproject.com/epidemiologists-find-potential-link-between-covid-lockdowns-and-a-rise-in-violent-youth/