26 people were killed, and 20 more were wounded by a man wielding an assault-type rifle on November 5, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The lives of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, and grandparents alike were stolen in their place of worship, The First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.

What is now being called the deadliest mass shooting in Texas's history had victims ranging in age from 18 months old to 77 years old. In fact, nearly half of the victims of this mass shooting were children.

As a native Texan, this mass shooting hits too close to home. Along with the shock, sadness, and anger that follow an event like this, I am left with questions. What could drive someone to senselessly murder over two dozen innocent people? How did this shooter, who should not have had access to weapons, obtain the assault-type rifle used in this horrific act? But most importantly, when will something be done to stop mass shootings in the United States?

Just last month, October 1st to be exact, the U.S suffered from another heinous act of violence. A shooter opened fire at a concert in Las Vegas, Nevada, killing 58 and wounding over 500. Before that, in June of 2016, in Orlando, Florida, 49 were killed and 58 were wounded. There was San Bernardino, California, in 2015. And Sandy Hook, in 2012. And Virginia Tech in 2007. These are just a few of the deadly acts of mass gun violence in the United States in the recent years. In fact, the United States has the largest amount of mass shooters in the world. The world. No other country comes close.

Image: New York Times

You'd think after the first time a large group of people died at the expense of a mass shooter legislation would be put in place to make it harder to obtain guns, or at least more checks and balances to ensure the purchaser of the firearm is of sound mind. But because of shooting after shooting, innocent lives, children, family, friends, and fellow Americans continue to be slain by mass murderers.

After every mass shooting, at least recently, there is a debate about what should be done to stop these acts. One side believes that these shootings are a mental health issue, while the other believes its a gun issue. According to the New York Times, "a study estimated that only 4 percent of mass shootings could be attributed to mental health issues."

So if only 4 percent of the mass shootings that occur are because of mental health issues, it is time our government enacts legislation to regulate guns in a better manner. When will enough innocent people die to create a need for change in how guns are regulated?

I am not sure of the solution to this vastly convoluted issue, but I do know that the problem begins with easy access to guns and military grade weapons as well. By choosing to keep loose controls on gun laws, American lawmakers have decided that owning a gun is more important than the lives of citizens.

How far does this violence have to go for action to be taken? It is more than a mental health issue. It is more than condolences for families. Action must be taken before more lives are.