Mother of US Shooting Victim Calls for an End to the Culture of Hatred

A Scottish mother is calling for an end to the "culture of hatred" in the US after her son was shot and killed. The victim, Rory Swimm, was murdered by a 15-year-old boy who had been given a handgun by his grandfather. Rory's parents, Susan and Robb, hope that his death will bring about change. Susan describes the loss of Rory as devastating for friends around the world. She believes that the lack of accountability in America is concerning and urges for education to teach teenagers kindness and empathy. While Susan doesn't think they can change gun laws, she wants to address the culture of hatred among youth. Rory, a dual UK/US citizen, died in Salt Lake City, Utah. Susan and Robb are not only grieving their loss but are also angry after learning more about the teenager accused of the murder. They want something positive to come out of the tragedy, casting a spotlight on the issue of gun control and gun rights, despite the division it causes in the country. The altercation that led to Rory's death began with an argument outside a convenience store, and before any physical violence occurred, he was shot in the chest. The police found a spent shell casing and traced the 15-year-old suspect through video footage, uncovering a handgun in his bedroom. Although underage, the suspect's grandfather had given him the weapon, taking him shooting regularly. Rory's parents, originally from Scotland, moved to the US when he was an infant. Rory was known for his love of skiing and skateboarding, and he often visited his relatives in Scotland. His death marks the 14th murder in Salt Lake City in 2023. Utah has one of the lowest homicide rates in the US, but it still exceeds that of the UK. Robb speaks out against the gun culture in Utah, likening it to the boycott of South Africa during apartheid. He hopes to remember his son in a positive way and advocates for stricter gun laws, such as prohibiting the purchase of firearms for those under 18. The court is set to determine whether the teenage suspect will be tried as a juvenile or an adult, affecting potential sentences. The death penalty is not applicable in this case. The suspect faces charges of illegal possession of the handgun and has yet to enter a plea or present a defense. Gun control advocates believe that in Utah, it is legal for someone to buy a firearm as a gift for another person as long as it aligns with state law. Robb urges for changes in the law regarding the age and storage of firearms given to teenagers. He wants Rory's story to make an impact and for the city of Salt Lake and the entire country to know who Rory Swimm was and how he was taken away by one bullet.