Mass shootings lead to talk, but little action, on mental illness

(or gun control)

TALLAHASSEE — In the days after five people were shot and killed in Fort Lauderdale's airport, some elected officials adopted a familiar routine.

As news spread that the suspected gunman told FBI agents in Alaska that he was hearing voices, Florida officials called for improvements to mental health care and tougher measures to keep guns away from people with severe psychological disorders.

The Jan. 6 mass shooting was just the latest to be followed by hand-wringing from politicians, particularly gun-rights supporters, who blamed shortcomings in the mental health system for the tragedy.

Despite years connecting mental illness and mass shootings, lawmakers in both parties have been reluctant to pass major legislation taking firearms out of the hands of people diagnosed with severe disorders.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/mass-shootings-lead-to-talk-but-little-action-on-mental-illness/2312050