Res. No. 375
Resolution recognizing June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York City.
By the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams) and Council Members Louis, Farías and Hanif
Whereas, Gun violence is a national and local problem affecting many Americans and New Yorkers on a daily basis; and
Whereas, According to the Gun Violence Archive, there were 77,943 incidents of gun violence in the United States in 2019, resulting in 15,448 deaths and 30,186 injuries; and
Whereas, National attention is often drawn to large scale tragedies, yet there are gun violence injuries occurring every day throughout many American cities; and
Whereas, In New York City, the number of murders rose to nearly 500 before the close of 2021, the highest amount reported since 2011 where 515 murders were recorded; and
Whereas, While the number of shootings in NYC are reaching new highs in recent years, gun violence has disproportionately impacted certain neighborhoods and populations in the City; and
Whereas, In December 2021, 1,828 people were victims of gun violence, having been struck by a bullet; and
Whereas, Of shooting victims in 2020, 74% were Black and 22% were Hispanic; and
Whereas, It is therefore clear that gun violence is a serious problem in our communities that must be addressed; and
Whereas, Furthermore, gun violence and the resulting injuries and deaths typically increase substantially in the summer months; and
Whereas, It is important for the City of New York to once again work to increase public awareness about guns and the severity of their impact on our communities; and
Whereas, Recognition of the month of June as Gun Violence Awareness Month by local and state officials will increase efforts to protect all New Yorkers, especially those who are disproportionately affected by such violence, by furthering the dialogue with our local, state and federal partners to help examine the causes of gun violence and create meaningful solutions in an effort to prevent the violence from peaking again in the summer; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York recognizes June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York City.
Session 13
LS #81
01/17/2024
Session 12
AH
LS #81
02/25/2022