Tourists have been warned to avoid “being in the wrong place at the wrong time” when going to the United States because of a huge rise in shootings.
As of May 7, 2023, there have been 202 mass shootings across the country, where more than four people have been killed or injured.
This has seen officials from other countries issue warnings about going to the country, for fear of being caught up in an incident.
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The Government of Canada has updated its travel advice page, and states that the “rate of firearm possession in the United States is high”.
They also urged anyone travelling there to make sure they know what to do in case they a shooting does happen around them.
Canada’s government added: “Incidents of mass shootings occur, resulting most often in casualties.
“Although tourists are rarely involved, there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Familiarize yourself on how to respond to an active shooter situation.”
The UK’s travel advice does not mention shootings, but does mention terror attacks.
It also mentions “lone actor” attacks committed by people inspired by “terrorist ideology.”
A spokesman said: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners.
“The main threat comes from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist ideology to carry out so-called ‘lone actor’ attacks targeting public events or places – attacks could take place with little or no notice.
“There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.”
The UK has had, what is classed as, one mass shooting a year in between 2021 and 2023.
Prior to that, four incidents took place between 2010 and 2020, with just five happening the in decade prior.
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