Six people have been killed in a domestic shooting in Iowa, as the UK government calls for international action to curb gun violence. The shooting, which took place in a residential area of Des Moines, is the latest in a series of mass shootings in the United States that have sparked global concern.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots late last night before police arrived at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the victims, all adults, were found dead in a single-family home. The suspected shooter, believed to be a family member, was also found dead at the scene. Police have not yet released details on a motive, but they say they are not looking for other suspects.
News of the shooting quickly reached Whitehall, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences and urged stronger international cooperation to address gun violence. "Our hearts go out to the families of those killed in Iowa," Starmer said in a statement. "But condolences are not enough. We must work with allies to prevent such tragedies. The UK's strict gun laws save lives that would otherwise be lost. It is time for the US and other nations to follow suit."
The call for action comes amid growing frustration in the UK over repeated mass shootings in America. Gun control advocates have long pointed to the UK's ban on handguns after the 1996 Dunblane massacre, which led to a dramatic drop in gun deaths. However, the US Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right to bear arms, making federal legislation difficult.
Labour MPs have also weighed in, with several joining protests outside the US embassy in London. "How many more children, how many more families, how many more communities must be torn apart?" asked Diane Abbott, a prominent backbencher. "We cannot stand by while the gun lobby holds American politicians hostage."
The shooting has reignited debate over domestic violence and access to firearms. According to the advocacy group Everytown for Gun Safety, nearly two-thirds of mass shootings in the US are related to domestic violence. Critics argue that stronger background checks and red flag laws could prevent such incidents.
For the victims' families in Iowa, the political debates offer little comfort. Local resident Mary Thompson, who lives next door to the home, described hearing the shots. "It was chaos. We've never seen anything like this here," she said. "My heart breaks for them."
As the UK calls for global action, the question remains: will the US listen? With a new president and a divided Congress, the path forward is uncertain. But for the six families shattered by this tragedy, the time for change cannot come soon enough.
