[guest post by Dana]
As warnings about travel to the U.S. are being issued, it’s not hard to see that there is a consensus out there that “indiscriminate gun ownership” is running rampant in the United States:
Foreign nations are warning their citizens that traveling in the United States could put them at risk of becoming a victim of a mass shooting.
A statement Monday from Uruguay’s Foreign Ministry warned about “growing indiscriminate violence” in the U.S.
It urged Uruguayans traveling there to avoid “theme parks, shopping centers, festivals, religious events, gastronomic fairs and any kind of cultural or sporting events.” U.S. authorities are unable to prevent mass shootings because of “indiscriminate” gun ownership, the statement said.
Venezuela’s foreign minister released a similar statement, also warning its citizens to avoid large gatherings where mass shootings might occur.
The Japanese Consul in Detroit on Sunday published an alert that said Japanese nationals “should be aware of the potential for gunfire incidents everywhere in the United States,” which it described as “a gun society.”
These countries join France, New Zealand and Germany, who in past years have issued similar warnings.
Given the tensions between the U.S. and Caracas, it’s a bit rich to read this from Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially when referring to “the elite who hold political power” and “acts of violence”:
The ministry specifically called out a number of U.S. cities including Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, St. Louis, Oakland and Memphis.
“These growing acts of violence have found echo and sustenance in the speeches and actions impregnated with racial discrimination and hatred against migrant populations,” which have been issued by the “elite who hold political power in Washington,” according to a translated version of the Venezuelan release.
“A fundamental factor to consider lies in the inexcusable, indiscriminate possession of firearms by the population,” the release added.
Also, Uruguay’s travel warning comes several days after the U.S. issued its own travel warning for the country. A country which remains allies with Venezuela.
–Dana