As a concerned citizen of Oklahoma, I am deeply troubled by the increasing number of shootings that have plagued our state. The recent incident at a Choctaw football game, which I had planned to attend, has left me shaken and fearful for the safety of myself and others. It is time for us to take proactive measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

I believe that requiring yearly comprehensive mental screenings for all individuals seeking gun ownership is a crucial step towards ensuring public safety. This screening process should not only assess the mental fitness of the potential gun owner but also extend to every member residing in their household and anyone underage who may have access to firearms.

By implementing this policy, we can identify individuals who may pose a risk due to underlying mental health issues or violent tendencies. This will help prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands and reduce the likelihood of tragic incidents caused by individuals who are not mentally fit to handle firearms responsibly.

Supporting this petition with relevant facts and statistics is essential in order to demonstrate its necessity:

1. According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, individuals with serious mental illnesses are more likely than those without such conditions to commit acts of violence.
(Source: National Institute on Mental Health)

2. A report by Everytown Research & Policy reveals that 54% of mass shootings between 2009 and 2019 involved perpetrators with known signs of dangerous behavior or acute crisis.
(Source: Everytown Research & Policy)

3. States that require comprehensive background checks before purchasing firearms experience lower firearm suicide rates compared to states without such regulations.
(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Implementing mandatory mental screenings yearly will provide an additional layer of protection against potential harm caused by those unfit for gun ownership while respecting responsible citizens' Second Amendment rights.

I urge you all fellow Oklahomans who share my concerns to sign this petition and demand that our state legislature take immediate action to require yearly mental screenings for gun ownership. Together, we can create a safer environment for ourselves, our loved ones, and future generations.

Let us stand united in the pursuit of a society where fear does not dictate our actions and where public spaces are free from the threat of gun violence. Sign this petition today and make your voice heard!

Thank you for your support in making Oklahoma a safer place for all.

Alysea Taylor