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In response to a devastating triple homicide in England, the UK government is contemplating implementing stricter laws on crossbow ownership. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, took the lives of Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, who were attacked in their home northwest of London.

UK national Security Minister Dan Jarvis revealed that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, in charge of police and law enforcement agencies, will carefully examine the tragic events and make a decision in the near future. Jarvis emphasized that determining whether changes are necessary in ownership laws is a top priority for the Home Secretary, and the government intends to act swiftly on this matter.

Currently, crossbows are legal in the UK without the need for a license or registration. However, carrying a crossbow in public without a "reasonable excuse" is prohibited. In light of recent high-profile crimes involving crossbows, Jarvis stated that it is reasonable to consider revising the existing laws. Individuals aged 18 or older can purchase and own a crossbow without any licensing or registration requirements. These weapons can be acquired online for as little as £50 (approximately $64).

The use of crossbows in criminal activities has attracted public scrutiny. In a notable incident on Christmas Day in 2021, a 19-year-old individual was arrested at Windsor Castle while carrying a crossbow and expressing intentions to harm Queen Elizabeth II. This event prompted the then-Home Secretary Priti Patel to initiate a review for strengthening controls on crossbows. In February 2024, the government issued a call for evidence to explore the implementation of tougher rules regarding these weapons.

Following the recent triple homicide, the UK government will swiftly consider the findings of the review alongside the ongoing murder investigation. Gavin Hales, a Senior Associate Fellow at The Police Foundation, expressed his concerns about the existing law and its disparity with firearm regulations. Hales highlighted the potential power of crossbows, with some models capable of firing bolts at speeds exceeding 400ft/second and generating over 80ft/lbs of kinetic energy. He contrasted this with the legal limit for air rifles without requiring a firearms certificate, which stands at 12ft/lbs.

The tragedy has sparked a renewed urgency for the UK government to address the issue of crossbow ownership and establish stricter regulations to prevent misuse. As the investigation continues, the government will work to strike a balance between public safety and individual rights in order to create a safer environment for all.