The shop that only sold guns 'with history' social experiment is still sadly relevant

The murder of journalists Alison Parker and Adam Ward during a live television broadcast dominated the news agenda for several days last week.

Footage of the shooting had spread quickly online after being shared on social media (even by the suspected killer himself), and newspapers were widely criticised for using distressing stills of the moment shots were fired on their front pages.

The disturbing and extraordinary nature of the coverage has sparked further debate about gun control.

Ms Parker’s father, Andy, called for tighter controls on firearms in the wake of the murders.

He told CNN:

Look, I’m for the second amendment [the right to bear arms], but there has to be a way to force politicians that are cowards and in the pockets of the NRA to come to grips and make sense, have sensible laws so that crazy people can’t get guns.

In light of the subsequent debate, a YouTube video and social experiment made by States United To Prevent Gun Violence is especially poignant.

A gun shop was set up in New York that only sold weapons with a history of violence - which the shopkeeper related to people who entered the store with the intention of buying their first firearm.

It's a sad and telling reminder that any gun has the potential for a fatal history.

Watch the full video for yourself, below:

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