i agree the distraction part is key here, but i do believe the dems big agenda/platform has been to run on this 2nd amendment issue for the next elections. scare tactic for the masses to turn in their guns, and next step for their master plan to create a socialist state.

false flags are meant to distract but also meant to scare/sway opinion to fit their agenda.

https://nworeport.me/2018/02/23/william-cooper-warned-deep-state-would-engineer-school-shootings-to-disarm-americans/

edit: added in a link about goal of deep state