News headlines alerting readers to episodes of gun violence are becoming far too common. In the past year, we have had two mass shootings and multiple homicides carried out by people with guns. Now, one of USC’s own has fallen to a bullet. What can we, as a country, do to stop this?

According to the Huffington Post, on the evening of Sunday, February 3, USC DPS officer Keith Lawrence, 27, and his fiancée Monica Quan, 28, were found shot in the parking structure of their condominium. Former LAPD officer Christopher Jordan Dorner, 33, shot the two while they were in their car.

On the internet, Dorner expressed his anger about being fired and promised to inflict harm on those who wronged him. Dorner is still on the run, and this, as the Huffington Post reports, has resulted in the LAPD’s largest manhunt. CNN reports that Dorner is now the most wanted man in America. As of 9pm on Thursday, February 7, Dorner was still at large in Big Bear, California (although at this point authorities believe he is no longer there).

READ MORE: Dorner Manhunt: Search For Ex-Cop Fugitive Enters Third Day As Trail Grows Cold

This man, a former officer, wrongfully used his weapon to commit murder. He was trained by the police academy in the proper use of a firearm, yet with it he still shot and killed two people in a fit of rage. So, how do we end this violence? Many believe that training people in the proper management and storage of a gun will make all the difference and reduce gun violence. However, this shooting negates this claim.

READ MORE: LAPD Calls Shooting Of Two Women 'A Tragic Misinterpretation'

The government needs to implement a strict policy regarding who can own lethal weapons. Recent events, mainly the Newtown shooting and the movie theater shooting in Aurora, have demonstrated that the government needs to create a policy that effectively monitors who can own a gun. An intensive background check and psychiatric evaluation on anyone wishing to purchase a gun is highly necessary. Yes, requiring such thorough assessments can cost the United States a substantial amount of money, but they will help ensure American citizens' safety.

Right now, any person can log on to the internet and simply take an online test to acquire a gun license. As soon as you open up Florida’s gun permit website, you read the following: “Take our course, print your course certificate, demonstrate competency with a firearm or weapon in the presence of certified firearm instructor, complete your application package and mail it off. It's that easy!” On Virginia’s website, you are assured that you will pass the test: "Worried about not passing? You can retake the class for free as many times as it takes.”

Having an online permit website for a lethal weapon is in no way secure. Anyone can log on to these or other websites and fill out the form. How can the government ensure safety with websites like these that are still active and available to the general public? The government needs to eliminate these websites. Gun permit tests should be taken in person. Once the results are in, and if the test taker passed, the test taker should then set up an appointment to be evaluated by a professional psychiatrist who can determine if the person is mentally stable enough to own a gun.

Perhaps those of you who enjoy going to gun shows and purchasing guns will disagree with these policy ideas, but they are required for the greater good of our country. Safety should be our country’s main priority. While our country is debating gun policy, other shootings are happening. Dorner, for one, is still at large, and is believed to have committed multiple murders in a span of just a few days. The government needs to work faster to come up with a safe and effective policy for gun control.

 

Reach Contributor Ashima Agrawal here.