Increase safety through new laws

The bombings at Boston's annual marathon shook the country and the world. The terrorist attack resulted in four deaths, among them being an 8 year old boy. More than 240 people were injured.

The attack occurred on April 15, known in New England as Patriots' Day, which is a day that celebrates the heroism of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. That heroism carried throughout the past week as the people of Boston and the nation rallied together to find who was responsible for the heinous violence against innocent people.

On Friday April 19 the two suspects, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, were tracked down after an intensive manhunt led by local, state and federal authorities. During the shootout Tamerlan Tsarnaev was fatally injured and died en route to the hospital.

After fleeing the scene, authorities later found Dzhokar Tsarnaev hiding beneath the tarp of a boat in a backyard in Watertown, Mass. As yet the nation is holding its breath waiting for Tsarnaev to reveal the reason behind the horrendous attacks that shrouded much of last week.

Terrorist attacks and other horrific events have become unfortunately commonplace in today's world, with shootings, stabbings and bombings dominating the news at home and around the world.

In the past year alone multiple mass shootings, such as those at Sandy Hook Elementary and in Aurora, Colo., as well as stabbings and the now infamous bombings have made many Americans question their own safety.

However, there are steps federal and local governments can take to ensure the safety of its citizens, such as efficient background checks and waiting periods for those who wish to purchase firearms. These measures would reduce the risk caused by someone who is mentally ill, has previously been convicted of a felony or someone not thinking rationally from buying a gun.

After the Boston bombing authorities recovered multiple firearms from the suspects. Regardless of how they obtained the firearms, it is the nation's duty to write laws that protect its citizens.

With the senate's recent decision to vote down increased background checks for gun purchases, there is a greater opportunity for more mass shootings and bombings to threaten citizens. Until Congress decides to do what's best for the people, the country will not be able to move forward in safety.