Over the past week, the world has once again watched the horror of mass shootings unfold — from the United States to Australia — and the fear they leave behind, particularly for Jewish communities and students on campuses. 

Each time it happens, the same questions return. Why does this violence keep recurring? Is it random? And crucially, does gun control make a difference? 

On today’s podcast, Sean Defoe is joined by two leading experts to examine what the evidence really tells us. Professor Peter Squires, criminologist and public policy expert at the University of Brighton, explains what international data from countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada show about gun laws, and why access to firearms consistently shapes outcomes. Meanwhile, Professor Orla Muldoon of the University of Limerick explores the psychology behind mass shootings, the well-documented risks of imitation, and the role media coverage can play in amplifying or reducing harm. 

While Europe has largely avoided the scale of gun violence seen elsewhere, Orla warns that complacency is dangerous. Ireland is not gun-free — there are seven guns for every one hundred people — and no society is immune if warning signs are ignored. Patterns around age, gender, access to weapons and social conditions matter, as does how these attacks are reported in the days that follow. 

Have thoughts on the conversation? You can email the show at newstalkdaily@newstalk.com