From Obscurity to Infamy
How a Little-Known Carbine Became a Choice Weapon for Mass Shooters
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March 28, 2023
Photo: Metro Nashville Police Department
A closer look at two recent mass shootings reveals chilling similarities in the choice of weapon and the motivations behind the attacks.
In the wake of a spate of mass shootings, the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 carbine has emerged as a weapon of choice for these heinous acts. Known for its foldability, affordability, and compatibility with high-capacity magazines, the SUB-2000 has become a grim symbol of violence in America.
Two recent incidents, the thwarted attack by Robert E. Crimo in Highland Park and the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, Tennessee, demonstrate the dark allure of this firearm.
In July 2022, the Highland Park community in Illinois narrowly avoided further tragedy when police apprehended Robert E. Crimo before he could carry out a second planned shooting spree.
Photo: Lake County Major Crime Task Force
Crimo, a self-proclaimed "incel" (involuntary celibate), had meticulously researched and prepared for the attack. According to the New York Post, Crimo considered using a Kel-Tec SUB-2000 carbine to carry out his deadly plot.
Crimo's fascination with the SUB-2000 highlights the firearm's allure among mass shooters, who often seek weapons that are easy to conceal, transport, and use to inflict maximum damage.
Fortunately, in Crimo's case, authorities intercepted his plans before he could act again, and the community was spared from another devastating event.
Tragically, the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, was not so fortunate. The shooter, Audrey Hale, armed with a Kel-Tec SUB-2000 carbine, an AR-15 rifle, and a 9mm handgun, entered the school and opened fire, leaving several victims dead and many more injured.
Photo: Metro Nashville Police Department
CNN reported that the shooter, who had a history of mental health issues, used the firearm to devastating effect.
Key Points
In both the Highland Park and Covenant School cases, the attackers were drawn to the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 for its deadly combination of power, portability, and ease of use.
Both individuals appeared to harbor deep-seated resentment and a desire to exact revenge on society.
The choice of weapon and the motivations behind these violent incidents point to an unsettling trend among mass shooters.
With its foldable design, the SUB-2000 can be easily concealed and transported, making it ideal for those seeking to evade detection.
Its compatibility with a variety of high-capacity pistol magazines enables shooters the option to rapidly reload, increasing the potential for mass casualties.
As America grapples with the horrors of mass shootings, it's essential to examine the factors that drive individuals to commit such acts and the weapons they choose to carry them out. The Kel-Tec SUB-2000's rise to infamy underscores a renewed conversation about gun control and mental health.