FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2023
“As we observe National Gun Violence Awareness Day, we reiterate the need for resources and changes in firearms laws that will help save lives, and we continue to urge the federal government to prioritize gun violence as a public health crisis.
“More than 17,000 lives were taken by gun violence so far this year, including over 7,700 homicides and 10,000 suicides, according to the Gun Violence Archive. There have been countless shootings in which passersby were struck by bullets, and accidental shootings that left children wounded.
“We have seen over 260 mass shootings this year. Americans should not be accustomed to this alarming situation; it is not normal. People have the right to attend churches, schools and festivals without the fear of becoming another statistic.
“Gun violence must be tackled on all fronts. There is a need for more mental health resources, more educational tools, and changes to our current gun laws, so weapons don’t fall into the wrong hands. Assault-style weapons have no place outside the military and law enforcement.
“PAGV, as it has done since 2014, will continue to bring prosecutors together to discuss policies, legislation, and strategies to curb gun violence. We are ready to work with Congress, corporations and other organizations to save lives. We must do all it takes to put a stop to the crisis that shatters the peace of Americans.”
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PAGV is an independent coalition of prosecutors from diverse jurisdictions throughout the United States, working toward solutions to end gun violence. The group is co-chaired by Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, and brings together prosecutors to discuss policies, legislation, and strategies to help prevent and confront gun violence in their jurisdictions.
To stay up to date with PAGV’s progress, join the mailing list at ProsecutorsAGV.org, and follow PAGV on Facebook and Twitter.
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