By: Connie Cao

Citizens across America have been gripped by a growing sense of unease due to a series of break-ins, malfunctioning security cameras, and a surge in criminal activity. Even in the most secure neighborhoods equipped with advanced technology, many individuals have reported experiencing distressing situations.

Dan O’Dell resides in one of the safest cities in Kansas, a community fortified by the presence of Fort Knox. Despite allocating $10,000 for security measures, Dan’s sense of safety remains compromised. He recently encountered an incident where a golfer’s swing sent a golf ball beyond his steel fence.

Many are turning to Tony Thurman, the president of SHIELD Security Systems, in response to the escalating concerns. He reveals that his small business has experienced a significant sales surge, which has intensified since various neighborhoods reported imminent threats.

Over the past decade, there has been a notable surge in gun purchases as residents prioritize their safety. Thurman highlights that even in the most secure cities, accidental shootings have become distressingly frequent.

“People are on edge, with their fingers near the trigger,” Thurman comments, alluding to the tragic incident involving an 84-year-old Caucasian man who fatally shot a Black teenager in Kansas City one April evening after a mistaken doorbell ring.

As homicides and perilous incidents inundate social media platforms, a palpable sense of anxiety has enveloped communities. Thurman shares his recent involvement in installing surveillance cameras for Keli Cox, a 45-year-old woman planning to construct a pool in her backyard.

“I used to allow my daughter to roam freely with her friends,” Cox reflects, who retired from the Kansas City Fed to raise her three children. “However, the incidents I’ve heard about on social media have compelled me to keep a constant watch over her.”