Friday Finds
Our weekly roundup of the latest gun violence prevention news
On Fridays here at Armed With Reason, we highlight articles and videos from the gun violence prevention realm that might’ve been missed during your busy week.
Trump Administration Violence Prevention Cuts:
Street-level violence prevention programs have been decimated by Trump just ahead of summer
“At least 554 organizations across 48 states are affected by the cuts, many of them small, community-based nonprofits that rely on this money. The rescinded grants supported everything from violence prevention and policing to victim advocacy, reentry services, research, and mental health and substance use treatment.”
Participants walk through the Broadway Townhouses in Camden, N.J., as part of a training program to help neighborhoods affected by violence. The Community-Based Public Safety Collective, which offered the training, is one of at least 554 organizations affected by the U.S. Department of Justice’s abrupt termination in April of at least 373 public safety grants. (Photo courtesy of Aqeela Sherrills; via Stateline)
‘Gonna have to hear mothers and sisters cry’: Trump’s funding cuts leave at-risk youth vulnerable to gun violence
“Even with the budget they do have, staff often dip into their own pockets for miscellaneous expenses, like food and school supplies for program participants and community members.”
Trump decried crime in America, then gutted funding for gun violence prevention
“Not only are these funds being pulled away from worthy investments that will save lives… but the way that this was done — by pulling authorized funding without warning — is going to create a lasting legacy of mistrust.”
Keisha Blanchard was shot in the back by someone who fired a bullet from the back of a Chevy Impala while she was out for a lunchtime stroll in St. Louis with a friend from her neighborhood walking group. To help her recover, she became a patient of the Bullet Related Injury Clinic in St. Louis, which provides free physical and mental health care for people injured by bullets. (Bram Sable-Smith/KFF Health News, via CNN)
“The Intern in Charge”: Meet the 22-Year-Old Trump’s Team Picked to Lead Terrorism Prevention
“The fate of CP3 is one example of the fallout from deep cuts that have eliminated public health and violence-prevention initiatives across federal agencies. The once-bustling office of around 80 employees now has fewer than 20, former staffers say. Grant work stops, then restarts.”
The Secret Smoking Gun in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful’ Budget
“Among the multitude of horrors tucked into Trump’s “big beautiful bill” is a measure that lifts a $200 tax on gun silencers, while ending background checks and registration requirements for their purchase.”
States Step Up Violence Prevention as Washington Pulls Back
“Fifteen states now have offices to coordinate efforts against shootings.”
California Leads U.S. in Gun Safety Measures, Linked to Lower Firearm Deaths Compared to Texas, Florida
“In practical terms, these laws have translated to a significant reduction in gun-violence incidents. The California Department of Justice’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention reports that if the United States had mirrored California's gun death rate over the past decade, about 140,000 lives could have been saved.”
For more local GVP work, check out our bi-weekly post, The Regional Wrap
Supreme Court Decisions:
VIDEO: Supreme Court rejects challenge to Maryland's assault weapons ban
“In declining to review the decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, the high court skirts for now a fight over whether the Second Amendment allows states to regulate the rifles that have been used in a wave of mass shootings.”
Supreme Court rules Mexico can't sue US gunmakers over cartel violence
“The court unanimously ruled that firearms makers are protected by a federal law barring certain lawsuits against them.”
June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month:
VIDEO: DC bridge lights up in orange to start National Gun Violence Awareness Month
“One advocate said the illumination stands as a public reminder that the city is united in its fight to prevent harm and protect youth in every neighborhood.”
VIDEO: Illinois lawmakers introduce resolution marking June 6 Wear Orange Day in honor of Hadiya Pendleton
“She was shot and killed at Harsh Park, a block away from King College Prep High School, in 2013. The shooting happened just days after she marched in former President Barack Obama's 2013 Inauguration Day parade.”
VIDEO: Wear Orange to help end gun violence
“Marrissa Ford and Micaela Fraser share their personal stories and more about the group and its upcoming events.”
2025 Orlando Pulse Remembrance Events
“Every year on June 12, also known as #OrlandoUnitedDay, Orlando’s community comes together to honor and remember the 49 lives lost at Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016.”
(Photo vis Jess Kulak/Visit Orlando)
