The Kyle Rittenhouse shootings that cost two lives and nearly a third exemplifies the need for limits on the open carrying of firearms in public spaces. Legislation passed earlier this year was a step in the right direction in Washington state. While we may never know the full details of events leading to these shootings, we know enough. Words were spoken or misunderstood, physical threats were made or perceived, which led to Rittenhouse firing at three people in self-defense or as aggressor. At the heart of this tragedy was the presence of a teenager brandishing his weapon in clear public view, intermingling with an angry crowd. Specific intentions of those present were unclear but undoubtedly all were primed for action. Two people are dead. One person is maimed. A shooter is facing a long prison term if convicted of murder. If not, at minimum a lifetime of unknowable consequences plus public outcry and further turmoil we can expect from those claiming injustice. All of this, whether intentional or accidental, was preventable if authorities had the ability and responsibility to de-escalate by taking firearms out of the equation.