As the United States (US) celebrates its first gold medal in the Rio Olympics secured by 19-year-old Ginny Thrasher for shooting, social media users took pot shots at the country known for its problematic gun control laws and shootings.

Reactions poured in after Thrasher edged past 2004 Athens champion Du Li and 2012 London title holder Yi Siling for the Women's 10 metre Air Rifle Gold.

The criticism tied into gun control laws in the US, which have been heavily debated by activists, lawmakers, lobbyists and legal experts following a spate of shocking mass shootings.

Over the past seven months, at least 386 people have died as a result of gun violence in the US ─ only 83 people less than last year's total of 469 people.