Missouri is grappling with an 8% increase in gun deaths over the past decade, according to the CDC. Advocates, including Moms Demand Action, are urging lawmakers to consider red flag laws as a way to reduce future tragedies.

In a ceremony held at the Patrol Academy gymnasium in Jefferson City, 28 troopers graduated from the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. The event marked the completion of the 123rd Recruit Class, which began training on January 2.