A US Democratic Party strategist says he doesn't expect to see 'any change' to gun laws there, following the Texas school shooting.
California-based Bob Mulholland was speaking after 19 children and two teachers were murdered by a gunman at Robb Elementary School.
He told Newstalk Breakfast as shocking as this is, it is not surprising.
"Well it's tragic, but to be frank I'm never surprised.
"I expect this and it seems to happen at least a couple of times a month.
"Every year in America about 45,000 people die from the use of guns, and probably half of them are due to murder - the others are suicides and accidents.
"These kinds of situations can be prevented, but our political system won't allow it.
"And I don't expect any change, real substantive change, any time soon".
Mr Mulholland says the laws vary greatly across the US.
"I live in California and we're very tough - we just don't allow people to pick up weapons and then drive off to a school.
"But in states like Texas, and in other states, there is no questions asked.
"In some of these states, we have what we call flea markets... and in some states they sell weapons, just assault weapons.
"You just go up - you could have just got out of prison - and pick up two assault weapons and drive off."
And he believes the US Supreme Court - which he says is "mostly dominated by Republican nominees or appointments" - may loosen restrictions even further later this year.
"Unfortunately later this year, the US Supreme Court is probably going to loosen up even more.
"So safe cities like New York City can't control it.
"In many part of the country you can just walk around with an assault rifle on your shoulder - walk into a supermarket".
The attack has reignited fierce debates over America's gun laws and the powerful US gun lobby.
President Joe Biden asked: "When will stand up to the gun lobby?" and called for new restrictions on firearms.
In the wake of the shooting Texas Governor Greg Abbott has faced fierce criticism from rivals over his stance on guns, in a state home to some of the most relaxed firearm rules in the US.
The National Rifle Association's (NRA) annual meeting starts on Friday in Texas's biggest city of Houston.
The NRA has called the shooting "the act of a lone, deranged criminal" and confirmed that it is proceeding with its event despite the massacre.
Republicans including Governor Abbott, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and former US President Donald Trump are all scheduled to speak at the event.
During a news conference, where Mr Abbott blamed the shooting on a "mental health crisis" in the community, Democratic politician Beto O'Rourke interrupted and shouted: "You are doing nothing to stop this.
"This is totally predictable", he added.
Additional reporting: IRN
