The family that took in the Parkland school shooter, Ethan Rivers, stood by their decision to allow him to possess firearms, asserting that it was “his right” to do so. Despite being aware of his mental health struggles and previous violent episodes, the Rivers family expressed their belief in individual gun ownership rights during an interview with CBS News.
Ethan had been living with the Rivers for about three months prior to the tragic incident that claimed 17 lives at Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. Reports from the Florida Department of Children and Families revealed that he had been diagnosed with depression, ADHD, and autism. Furthermore, it was noted that local law enforcement had responded to multiple incidents involving Ethan’s mother’s home, indicating a concerning history of behavior.
When asked if they were worried about Ethan’s access to firearms, the Rivers family dismissed the concern. “No, we thought he was just dealing with his mother’s death,” Ethan’s guardian, Sarah Rivers, explained. Although they insisted on keeping his guns secured in a safe, they later realized they may not have had complete control over the keys.
James Rivers, Ethan’s guardian, remarked, “I knew he owned five or six guns, but I didn’t know the specifics. I own guns myself, and I believe in responsible ownership.” When questioned about the appropriateness of a 19-year-old possessing an AR-15, he firmly stated, “It’s his right to have it.” When pressed about any changes in his perspective after the shooting, James replied, “No. Nope.”
A study published in the journal Pediatrics highlights the alarming statistics surrounding gun-related injuries among children, noting that nearly 1,300 children die from such incidents each year. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for stringent measures to prevent youth firearm injuries and fatalities, emphasizing that removing guns from homes is the most effective strategy.
However, the Rivers family maintains a different viewpoint. When asked about their feelings of responsibility regarding the shooting, James Rivers expressed deep sorrow for the victims’ families but insisted they would not have changed their approach to Ethan’s gun ownership.
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In summary, the Rivers family maintains their stance on Ethan’s gun ownership rights, despite the tragic consequences of his actions, reflecting a broader debate on gun rights and mental health awareness.